In a historic moment for Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum was officially sworn in on October 1, 2024, as the nation’s first female president. The former mayor of Mexico City, Sheinbaum has been a prominent figure in Mexican politics, running as the candidate for the National Regeneration Movement (Morena) and winning the June 2024 election in a landslide. Her victory marks a significant step for gender equality in Mexico, where no woman has held the top office in the country's 200-year history of independence.
Sheinbaum, a trained physicist and climate scientist, is known for her commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. Her inauguration was celebrated by many, especially women’s rights advocates, and she vowed to continue the policies of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), focusing on poverty reduction, public safety, and climate change.
"For the first time, we women have come to lead the destiny of our beautiful nation.' Meet 62-year-old Nobel Prize-winning scientist and the former mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, the new president of Mexico and the first female president in the nation's history. #HER 💖 pic.twitter.com/67vlBocRkA
— Her Network (@HerNetworkOnlne) October 3, 2024
Sheinbaum’s political career has been shaped by her academic background and experience in public administration, with many citing her intellectual rigor and dedication to scientific principles in policymaking.
Despite the celebrations, Sheinbaum’s administration faces immense challenges. Mexico continues to grapple with record-high levels of violence, particularly linked to drug cartels, and widespread corruption in many government sectors. Economic inequality remains a pressing issue, as does the need for judicial reforms and the ongoing battle against organized crime. Nevertheless, Sheinbaum’s platform has resonated with large segments of the population who hope for continuity in the progressive agenda championed by AMLO.
A view from above of the Zócalo. Thousands gathered outside to witness the historical swearing-in of Mexico’s first female President.
“it is time for women” – President @Claudiashein pic.twitter.com/08fxDbdWv6
— Noella De Maina (@ndemaina) October 2, 2024
Her focus on climate change and sustainability is also notable. As a climate scientist, Sheinbaum has long been an advocate for environmentally responsible policies, a stance that will likely influence her presidency. With Mexico being vulnerable to natural disasters and facing significant environmental challenges, her leadership in this area is expected to be a central theme of her administration.
Sheinbaum’s rise to power also represents a shift in Mexico’s political landscape. Her Morena party, a left-wing populist movement, now dominates the Mexican Congress with a supermajority, giving Sheinbaum substantial legislative support. Her electoral success is seen as a continuation of the “Fourth Transformation,” a term coined by López Obrador to describe the country’s shift towards progressive governance, focusing on social welfare, anti-corruption efforts, and reducing the power of the economic elite.
International reactions to Sheinbaum’s inauguration have been positive. U.S. President Joe Biden extended his congratulations, expressing optimism about continuing the close relationship between the two nations, particularly in areas such as trade, immigration, and environmental cooperation. Sheinbaum has also promised to strengthen Mexico’s role on the global stage, particularly regarding climate agreements and Latin American integration.
While Sheinbaum’s presidency is just beginning, the weight of expectation is high. Mexico’s first female president carries the hopes of many, particularly women and marginalized communities, who see her as a symbol of progress and inclusivity. However, her ability to navigate Mexico’s complex political, social, and economic challenges will determine the ultimate success of her presidency.
