Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in on Tuesday as Mexico’s first female president, marking a historic moment in the nation’s over 200 years of independence. The 62-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist campaigned with a commitment to continuity, aiming to uphold and expand the initiatives of her mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
In the four months leading up to her inauguration, Sheinbaum consistently supported López Obrador on various issues. However, she is noted for her analytical approach and reliance on data, differing from López Obrador’s more personal style.
The U.S. delegation at Sheinbaum’s ceremony, led by First Lady Jill Biden, underscored the importance of U.S.-Mexico relations. President Biden extended his congratulations, emphasizing the strong partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to fostering democracy and security.
Sheinbaum’s academic background is in science, holding a Ph.D. in energy engineering, and she has expressed a firm belief in the power of science, a trait that became evident during her tenure as mayor amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She implemented rigorous public health measures that contrasted with López Obrador’s national stance.
Colombia’s President, Gustavo Petro, made significant remarks prior to Sheinbaum’s inauguration, suggesting her past sympathies for Colombia’s leftist guerrilla group, M-19, and her assistance to exiled rebels. While her office did not immediately respond, it aligns with her history of involvement in leftist youth organizations during her university years.
Sheinbaum’s activism is rooted in a legacy; her parents were notable participants in Mexico’s 1968 student movement, which faced tragic repercussions. Additionally, Sheinbaum becomes the first president with a Jewish heritage in a predominantly Catholic country.
Sheinbaum claimed victory with nearly 60% of the votes in June, significantly outpacing her nearest competitor, Xóchitl Gálvez, benefitting from López Obrador’s sustained popularity during his presidency. The governing party’s strong showing extended to Congress, allowing for critical constitutional reforms before López Obrador exited office.
Amid discussions of judicial reforms, Sheinbaum supported López Obrador’s initiatives, claiming they would enhance the rule of law rather than hinder commercial investments. She stood firm against critiques of López Obrador’s proposals regarding the military’s role in national security and defended a diplomatic dispute with Spain during her transition into office.
Sheinbaum’s victory is a notable point in Mexico’s history, occurring 70 years after women gained the right to vote. Despite the progress, issues of violence against women persist, exemplified by the recent assassination of a female mayor shortly after Sheinbaum’s election. Furthermore, many women continue to face serious socio-economic challenges.
While Mexico’s Congress now has a gender-balanced representation, and a Supreme Court ruling has declared national abortion prohibitions unconstitutional, advocates argue that electing a woman does not automatically translate into policies prioritizing gender equality. Both Sheinbaum and López Obrador have faced scrutiny for their responses to gender violence protests.