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By John Ogunsemore
A physical altercation broke out in Mexico’s Senate on Wednesday, involving Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña of the ruling Morena party and Alejandro “Alito” Moreno, leader of the opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
The incident occurred as the day’s session concluded with lawmakers singing the national anthem, following a heated debate on the presence of foreign armed forces in Mexico.
This comes amid reports that US President Donald Trump had directed the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American drug cartels deemed terrorist organisations.
According to Reuters, the confrontation began when Moreno approached Noroña, repeatedly demanding to speak and grabbing his arm.
Noroña responded, saying, “Don’t touch me,” leading to an exchange of shoves and punches.
A photographer attempting to intervene was knocked over by Moreno, and another lawmaker joined the fray, swinging at Noroña as he tried to step away.
The Senate President later told a press conference that Moreno threatened him, saying, “I’m going to beat the shit out of you. I’m going to kill you.”
Moreno, in his defence, claimed Noroña initiated the physical aggression.
The incident, captured in a livestreamed video that went viral on social media, has drawn widespread attention.
Noroña announced plans to call an emergency session on Friday to propose expelling Moreno and three other PRI lawmakers involved in the brawl.
The altercation has heightened tensions between the ruling Morena party and opposition groups, reflecting ongoing political divisions in Mexico’s parliament.
The PRI, once a dominant force in Mexican politics, has seen its influence wane in recent years, holding only a small share of congressional seats following elections in 2024.
