Claudia Sheinbaum recently became Mexico’s first female leader, following a landslide presidential election victory. She inherits challenges such as organised crime, violence, and the need to govern for all Mexicans. She previously served as the secretary of the environment for Mexico City and was the first female mayor of the city. She is known for her loyalty to her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and his pro-hydrocarbon energy policies.
During Lopez Obrador’s presidency, poverty rates in Mexico decreased, and over five million Mexicans escaped poverty from 2018 to 2022. However, there were still challenges, such as the increase in extreme poverty and a lack of access to health and educational services. The government’s focus on reducing inequality and poverty led to material changes in the lives of millions of historically marginalised people in Mexico.
Sheinbaum has promised to continue AMLO’s policies, including proposed constitutional changes that have sparked controversy. These changes include the election of judges by popular vote and giving the military control of the national guard. Critics argue that these reforms could undermine democracy and presidential authority. Sheinbaum has supported these reforms, stating that they will strengthen the administration of justice in Mexico.
One area where Sheinbaum may differ from AMLO is in addressing gender-based violence and promoting women’s development and autonomy. While AMLO slashed funding for women’s shelters and showed hostility towards the feminist movement, Sheinbaum has pledged to focus on addressing inequalities affecting women. She plans to establish a National Care System to support women’s unpaid care work and promote their development.
Despite some progress made by AMLO’s administration, criticisms were often dismissed, and concerns such as organised crime and violence persisted. Families of the disappeared have called for a national dialogue to develop an agenda for searching for their loved ones and seeking justice. Sheinbaum has echoed AMLO’s stance that disappearances are perpetrated by criminals, not the state, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Moving forward, Sheinbaum is expected to continue AMLO’s policies while introducing new initiatives, particularly in areas affecting working-class women. She has expressed a desire to govern for all sectors of the population and rebuild relationships with those who may have felt neglected during AMLO’s administration. The future of Sheinbaum’s presidency will be shaped by her ability to address the challenges she inherits and implement policies that benefit all Mexicans.
