The Day After the First Female President's Inauguration, Incumbent Female Mayor in Mexico Assassinated

Current Female Mayor Shot Dead by Assailant
Bodyguard Nearby Also Shot and Killed

Less than a day after the first female president was elected in Mexico, known as the "land of machos," a female incumbent mayor was assassinated.

Mayor Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa Cotija. [Image source=Mayor Figueroa's Facebook]

On the 4th (local time), Mexican media outlets such as El Financiero and Reforma reported that Yolanda S?nchez Pigueroa, the mayor of Cotija in Michoac?n state, was shot and killed by assailants the previous day. A bodyguard who was protecting Mayor Pigueroa also sustained gunshot wounds and died. Mayor Pigueroa was known for maintaining a tough stance against cartel violence. She was elected as Cotija's first female mayor in the 2021 election.

Previously, in September last year, Mayor Pigueroa was kidnapped by armed individuals while shopping and traveling with her family in Zapopan, Jalisco state, but was released after three days. Following this, Mexican authorities had strengthened her personal security. Although the identities of the kidnappers remain unknown, local media speculated that gang members affiliated with the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) were the most likely suspects. In Mexico, incidents related to drug cartels, gangs, and other criminal organizations are not uncommon.

Claudia Sheinbaum, the president-elect of Mexico, raises her arm during a speech at a celebration event held in Mexico City on the 3rd (local time).
[Image source=Xinhua·Yonhap News]

Moreover, this murder occurred less than 24 hours after Claudia Sheinbaum (61) was elected as Mexico's first female president, causing even greater turmoil. Mexico has traditionally been a male-dominated culture, often called the "land of machos," but with the emergence of the first female president in 200 years of constitutional history, there has been recognition of significant progress in women's political power. However, the assassination of Mayor Pigueroa has elicited shock and dismay locally.

Meanwhile, President-elect Sheinbaum is set to take office on October 1. Her term will last six years until 2030. She gained recognition serving as city minister until 2006 and was involved in founding Morena alongside President L?pez Obrador in 2011. She further increased her profile by becoming the first female mayor of Mexico City in 2018.