Mexico’s president-elect has vowed to introduce radical change – starting with a decision to decline bodyguard protection in a bid to be closer to the people.
Leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has also refused to live in ornate presidential residence and has pledged to cut his own salary.
The 64-year old was elected in a landslide on July 1 and has vowed to bring in an era of anti-corruption, pro-austerity.
But his rejection of bodyguards has shocked security experts, who have described his decision as "a total error".
Since being elected, Lopez Obrador has continued riding around Mexico City in his Volkswagen Jetta as hordes of journalists, fans and onlookers swarm around him.
Some of those fans managed to breach the security perimeter at the stately National Palace last week when he arrived for a meeting with outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto.
"Let this be clear: I don't want bodyguards. That means the citizens are going to take care of me," said Lopez Obrador, who takes office on December 1.
"I just hope they don't crush me," he added.
Security experts have heavily criticised the move, saying his family's wellbeing, his communications and visiting dignitaries are also at risk.
"It's a total error. It's whimsical, not strategic," said Alejandro Hope, a security consultant and former Mexican intelligence agent.
It's a total error. It's whimsical, not strategic. Alejandro Hope.
Lopez Obrador's own team has also raised concerns.
"The administration of the president of the republic must obviously have a security system to protect it, because governability and the stability of the state are at stake," his pick for interior minister, Olga Sanchez, said in a recent television interview.
However, his supporters have welcomed his decision.
Sasha Vazquez, 27, who was in Mexico City's central square to celebrate Lopez Obrador's election victory and got close enough to touch him, said: "Whether far away or up close, he gives off a good vibe.
"His love protects him. He doesn't need bodyguards."
In a country awash in violence, the election campaign was the most blood-stained in Mexican history, with 145 politicians murdered since September, according to consulting firm Etellekt.
