Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in on Tuesday as Mexico’s first female president, taking office amid significant public enthusiasm for her predecessor’s social programs but facing numerous challenges, including widespread violence and a weak economy.
After taking the oath of office in Congress, Sheinbaum was greeted with chants of “Presidenta!” — the first time in Mexico’s 200-year history a female president has been recognized.
A scientist-turned-politician, Sheinbaum inherits a country grappling with high levels of violence, sluggish economic growth, unfinished infrastructure projects, and the aftermath of recent hurricanes, particularly in Acapulco.
In her inaugural speech, Sheinbaum acknowledged the struggles of women in Mexico and pledged to continue expanding social programs, particularly those for women and children. She also promised to limit fuel and food prices, support business investment, and build more housing.
However, her comments on the powerful drug cartels that dominate much of Mexico were brief, maintaining her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s controversial ‘Hugs not Bullets’ approach, which avoids direct confrontation with the cartels.
Despite pledging continuity with López Obrador’s policies, Sheinbaum is seen as a more cautious and pragmatic leader, lacking the former president’s charismatic appeal. Political analysts suggest that where López Obrador could rely on personal charm, Sheinbaum will need to demonstrate effectiveness in governing.
While Sheinbaum benefits from her party’s control of Congress, Mexico remains deeply polarized, and she faces ongoing challenges with drug violence, economic instability, and potential tensions with the United States, especially if Donald Trump wins the 2024 U.S. election.
Although Sheinbaum has expressed a commitment to renewable energy, her pledge to cap oil production at 1.8 million barrels per day raised questions about balancing
Mexico’s energy needs with its environmental goals. As she begins her presidency, the path ahead is fraught with difficulties, but Sheinbaum remains focused on continuing her predecessor’s agenda while navigating these complex issues.
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