Chaos in Mexico City…Lawmakers’ Brawl
A session of the Mexico City Congress descended into physical chaos yesterday after a heated debate erupted into shoving, slapping, and hair-pulling among female lawmakers from rival parties. The confrontation, broadcast live on the legislature’s official channel, quickly spread across social media.
The clash exposed deep political divisions within the capital’s local assembly and unfolded during discussion of a controversial reform proposed by the ruling Morena party, led nationally by President Claudia Sheinbaum. The proposal would dissolve the city’s independent transparency watchdog, the Instituto de Transparencia, Acceso a la Información Pública, Protección de Datos Personales y Rendición de Cuentas de la Ciudad de México (InfoCDMX), which oversees public access to information and data protection.
Pelea en el Congreso de la CDMX… ¿Qué opinan de la actuación y el motivo de la misma? pic.twitter.com/vvk9QpafY9
— Gateway Hispanic (@GatewayHispanic) December 16, 2025
Opposition lawmakers from the conservative National Action Party (PAN) accused Morena of violating prior agreements by introducing a last-minute amendment that would place the replacement transparency body under the control of a single authority rather than a multi-member board approved in committee. PAN legislators—most of them women—responded by occupying the main podium to block the vote, a tactic commonly used in Mexican legislatures.
Morena lawmakers moved to reclaim the podium, triggering the physical confrontation. Video footage shows lawmakers pushing and striking one another near the presiding table, with hair-pulling and blows exchanged. At least one PAN deputy was reportedly injured and later appeared wearing a neck brace.
The session was temporarily suspended amid reports that opposition members disrupted audio equipment and cut microphone cables. After PAN lawmakers and their allies walked out in protest, the Morena majority reconvened and approved the reform with 45 votes in favor. The measure removes InfoCDMX from the local constitution and transfers its responsibilities to a new government-controlled agency.
Critics, including PAN members, argue the move weakens transparency and accountability in Mexico City’s government.
During her morning press conference today, President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the violence, calling it a “bad spectacle.” She said disagreements—even protests such as taking the podium—are legitimate, but physical violence is unacceptable, urging lawmakers to resolve disputes through dialogue.
While physical altercations in Mexican legislatures are rare, they are not without precedent. This incident, however, drew widespread criticism for damaging the institution’s credibility and attracted international attention from outlets including CNN, Al Jazeera, the Associated Press, and TMZ. The episode highlights ongoing tensions between Morena’s political dominance in Mexico City and opposition efforts to resist reforms viewed as centralizing power.
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