The historical presidential win in Mexico by Claudia Sheinbaum, the former socialist mayor of Mexico City, in June signifies a monumental point in the nation’s 200-year existence as a sovereign entity. This vote saw Sheinbaum become the first woman and Jewish leader of the country, reaffirming the enduring impact of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, her predecessor and mentor who enjoys considerable popularity.
Sheinbaum’s inauguration on Tuesday saw her alluding to this significant shift in leadership dynamics rightfully amidst fervent spectators. She acknowledged, “For the first time, we women are at the helm, steering the course of our magnificent nation.” A nation where an estimated nine in every ten women are thought to be victims of sexual assault.
Despite disputes within the Morena party, it still holds a tremendous majority in congress and governs the majority of state legislatures. Nevertheless, the incumbent president will face tremendous obstacles, including a high budget deficit unseen in years, a public and violent confrontation with drug cartels, and an ongoing immigration crisis. Observers are apprehensive about potential autocracy in the ongoing fight with drug factions and a trend of loosening presidential power checks. Proposals for electing judges are perceived as a threat to judicial autonomy.
Tuesday saw several people protesting these judicial reforms while ardent Morena followers gathered in support of her speech.
Sheinbaum, primarily symbolising continuity, remains committed to López Obrador’s populist, anti-poverty and infrastructure plans, despite accusations of simply being a puppet for her predecessor. She dismissed hints of authoritarianism in her address and emphasised women’s rights, renewable energy and new rail passenger services.
Sheinbaum, a renowned academic with a PhD in energy engineering and a Nobel Peace Prize credited for her participation in a United Nations panel of climate scientists, has crossed the spheres of academia and politics for many years. She’s acknowledged for her capable administration skills and technocratic adeptness. She is not merely an echo of her mentor.