Claudia Sheinbaum has been sworn in as Mexico’s first female president, taking over from outgoing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Sheinbaum, a 62-year-old climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, is set to serve a six-year term ending in 2030. She took the oath of office in front of parliamentarians, with her supporters chanting “President! President!” and “Long live Mexico!” She emphasized that now is the time of transformation and women in Mexico. She also reassured investors that their investments will be safe in Mexico.
Sheinbaum enters office with her party holding supermajority control in the legislature’s lower house and nearly the same in the Senate. She will need to contend with some last-minute moves by Lopez Obrador, including a controversial judicial overhaul that will see federal judges elected by popular vote. This change has raised concerns among advocates of judicial independence and investors. She will also navigate a US election that could affect relations with Mexico’s top trading partner.
The incoming president will face the challenge of delivering her government’s first budget in November, which will provide clues as to whether she can reduce the country’s fiscal deficit while maintaining popular welfare spending and crime-fighting initiatives. Sheinbaum’s presidency is historic, as she is the first woman to lead Mexico City and now the country. She has built a reputation for a data-driven approach to leadership and has pledged to reduce crime rates and boost security spending across Mexico. She has also promised to continue policies of social spending and youth scholarships championed by Lopez Obrador.
Sheinbaum, who studied energy engineering and has been involved in climate change initiatives, has pledged to protect Mexico’s state-owned oil and power companies while exploring renewable energy projects. She previously shared a Nobel Peace Prize for her climate work and has a background working with Lopez Obrador in environmental roles. As she takes office, she faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental concerns and addressing crime rates in the country.
As Mexico’s second-largest economy in Latin America, Sheinbaum will need to navigate modest growth forecasts while tackling social and economic issues. She has emphasized the importance of transformation and women in leadership roles. She has unveiled a logo showing a young woman in profile hoisting a Mexican flag, symbolizing the change she represents in Mexican politics. With a focus on data-driven leadership and a commitment to reducing crime rates and increasing security spending, Sheinbaum’s presidency will be closely watched for its impact on Mexico’s future.
