Claudia Sheinbaum was inaugurated on Tuesday as the first female president of Mexico, marking a historic moment in the country’s 200-year independence. Sheinbaum, a former scientist and politician, took the oath of office in Congress, where lawmakers celebrated her achievement with chants of “Presidenta!”
At 62 years old, Sheinbaum steps into the presidency amid various pressing issues, including high violence rates, a struggling economy, and disaster recovery efforts in Acapulco after hurricanes wreaked havoc. In her inaugural address, she emphasized her commitment to empowering women and ensuring that gender does not limit aspirations.
She unveiled an agenda focused on controlling prices for essentials like gasoline and food, increasing cash support for women and children, and bolstering infrastructure projects. However, discussions on drug cartels were minimal, with Sheinbaum reiterating a continuation of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s strategy of addressing underlying issues rather than directly challenging the cartels.
Sheinbaum, who won nearly 60% of votes in June, vowed to maintain the policies of her predecessor, including reliance on military forces and controversial reforms that have been perceived as diminishing checks and balances in governance. Following the inauguration, she participated in a rally where she received symbolic blessings from Indigenous women.
Public sentiment remains mixed, with supporters like Lucía Ruíz expressing hopes that Sheinbaum can address violence against women, while others raise concerns about governance and the potential for an unchecked ruling party. The polarized atmosphere reflects a division fueled by López Obrador’s popularity and criticism.
Sheinbaum’s challenges are considerable as she confronts issues like escalating violence connected to drug trafficking and the aftermath of recent hurricanes. Her engagement with climate change as a focus for economic policy further complicates the landscape, particularly with looming uncertainties in U.S.-Mexico relations, especially in the context of a potential Donald Trump presidency.
As Sheinbaum navigates this complex scenario, her administration promises both continuity from López Obrador’s tenure and the potential for new directions in energy and social policy.