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Claudia Sheinbaum Makes History as Mexico's First Female President

Claudia Sheinbaum Sworn In as Mexico's First Female President

In a historic moment for Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum has been inaugurated as the country's first female president, marking a significant milestone in a nation long dominated by male leadership. The ceremony took place in Mexico City's Congress, where Sheinbaum, a 62-year-old climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, took the oath of office amid cheers and applause from lawmakers, dignitaries, and supporters. This event not only shatters a glass ceiling in Mexican politics but also continues the leftist legacy of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, under whose mentorship she rose to prominence.

Sheinbaum's path to the presidency is rooted in her academic and professional background. Born in Mexico City to parents of Jewish heritage—her mother a biologist and her father a chemical engineer—Sheinbaum pursued a career in environmental science. She earned a doctorate in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and conducted research at the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on energy consumption and climate change. Her work contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. Transitioning into politics, she served as Mexico City's environment secretary under López Obrador when he was mayor, and later became the city's first elected female mayor in 2018. During her tenure, she implemented progressive policies, including expanding public transportation, promoting renewable energy, and managing the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, though not without controversy over her handling of certain crises, such as the 2021 metro line collapse that killed 26 people.

The inauguration ceremony was steeped in symbolism and tradition. Sheinbaum arrived at the congressional chamber dressed in a dark suit, receiving the presidential sash from the outgoing president. In her inaugural address, she vowed to govern with "republican austerity, without authoritarianism or abuse of power," emphasizing continuity with López Obrador's "Fourth Transformation" agenda, which aims to reduce inequality, combat corruption, and strengthen state control over key industries like energy. She pledged to expand social programs, such as pensions for the elderly and scholarships for students, while addressing pressing issues like violence, economic inequality, and gender equity. Notably, Sheinbaum highlighted her commitment to women's rights, stating, "For the good of all, the poor first, and now also for the good of women." This resonates deeply in a country where machismo culture persists, and femicide rates remain alarmingly high, with over 3,000 women murdered annually.

Politically, Sheinbaum's victory in the June 2024 elections was overwhelming; she secured about 59% of the vote, representing the Morena party, a leftist coalition founded by López Obrador. Her win extended Morena's dominance, with the party also gaining a supermajority in Congress, enabling potential constitutional reforms. However, this concentration of power has raised concerns among critics about democratic backsliding. López Obrador, popularly known as AMLO, leaves office with high approval ratings but a mixed legacy: he lifted millions out of poverty through welfare programs but faced criticism for undermining independent institutions, such as the judiciary, and failing to curb cartel violence, which has claimed over 450,000 lives since 2006.

Sheinbaum inherits a complex array of challenges. Security remains paramount, as drug cartels control vast swaths of territory, fueling extortion, kidnappings, and a homicide rate that averaged 90 murders per day under AMLO. She has promised a "hugs, not bullets" approach, focusing on social programs to address root causes of crime rather than militarized confrontations, though she plans to maintain the National Guard's role. Economically, Mexico grapples with sluggish growth, reliance on U.S. trade (especially under the USMCA agreement), and the need to attract foreign investment amid global shifts like nearshoring. As a scientist, Sheinbaum is expected to prioritize climate action, pledging to transition to renewable energy while balancing the state oil company Pemex's role, which AMLO revitalized despite environmental concerns.

Internationally, her presidency could reshape Mexico's foreign relations. Sheinbaum has expressed solidarity with progressive leaders in Latin America and intends to strengthen ties with the United States, particularly on migration and trade. With U.S. elections looming, she may navigate tensions over border security and fentanyl trafficking. Domestically, indigenous rights and gender issues will test her administration; she has appointed an all-female security cabinet in a bold move, signaling inclusivity.

Reactions to her inauguration have been polarized. Supporters, many from working-class backgrounds, celebrated in the streets, viewing her as a continuation of AMLO's populist revolution. Indigenous groups performed traditional dances at the ceremony, and international guests, including leaders from Cuba, Colombia, and Spain, attended. Critics, however, including opposition figures like Xóchitl Gálvez, who garnered 28% in the election, warn of authoritarian tendencies, especially after recent judicial reforms that allow judges to be elected by popular vote—a move Sheinbaum supports but which has sparked protests and investor unease.

Looking ahead, Sheinbaum's six-year term will be scrutinized for how she differentiates herself from AMLO while advancing her own vision. As a data-driven leader, she emphasizes evidence-based policies, contrasting with her predecessor's charismatic style. Her Jewish heritage adds another layer of diversity to Mexican leadership, though she identifies as culturally Jewish rather than religiously observant. In a nation where women have historically been underrepresented—only 10% of governors are female—her presidency inspires hope for greater gender parity.

Ultimately, Claudia Sheinbaum's ascent represents a blend of continuity and change. She aims to build on social welfare gains while tackling entrenched problems like violence and inequality. Whether she can deliver on these promises amid political divisions and economic pressures will define her legacy. As Mexico's 66th president and its first woman in the role, she steps into history with the weight of expectations, poised to lead one of Latin America's largest economies into a new era. Her inauguration not only celebrates a personal triumph but also signals potential shifts in how Mexico addresses its multifaceted challenges, from environmental sustainability to social justice.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3jky23937o ]