Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico’s first female president

Claudia Sheinbaum made history on Tuesday by becoming Mexico’s first female president, ushering in a new era for the country more than 200 years after its independence.

The 62-year-old scientist-turned-politician took the oath of office in Congress, where legislators enthusiastically chanted "Presidenta!" in recognition of her milestone.

Sheinbaum, a close ally of her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, inherits a nation grappling with significant challenges, including persistent violence, economic stagnation, and the aftermath of recent natural disasters.

Nonetheless, she rode to victory with nearly 60% of the vote in June, driven largely by López Obrador’s popular social programs and her pledge to continue his policies.

In her inaugural address, Sheinbaum celebrated the historical significance of her presidency, acknowledging the generations of Mexican women who paved the way.

“I don’t arrive alone,” she declared, “but with all the women of Mexico.” She emphasized her commitment to fighting racism, classism, and machismo, themes central to her political platform.

Sheinbaum outlined a series of ambitious goals for her presidency.

She vowed to limit the prices of essential goods like gasoline and food, increase social welfare programs for women and children, and enhance business investment, housing, and infrastructure development, particularly in the construction of passenger railways.

Notably, Sheinbaum briefly addressed Mexico’s enduring issue of drug cartel violence, affirming her intent to continue López Obrador’s controversial “Hugs not Bullets” approach, which focuses on addressing the root causes of crime rather than directly confronting the cartels.

While she promised more intelligence and investigative work, she made it clear that there would be “no return to the irresponsible drug war.”

After the swearing-in ceremony, Sheinbaum participated in a symbolic ritual in Mexico City’s main square, the Zócalo, where she was honored by an all-women Indigenous committee.

She was blessed by a spiritual guide and handed a traditional staff of authority, representing her connection to Mexico’s Indigenous communities.

Sheinbaum’s administration faces immediate challenges, including recovery efforts in Acapulco, which was recently devastated by Hurricane John, leaving significant destruction and at least 17 dead.

The city had not fully recovered from Hurricane Otis in 2023 when it was hit again. Additionally, cartel-related violence continues to plague regions like Culiacán, where factions of the Sinaloa cartel are fighting for control.

One of Sheinbaum’s top priorities is to maintain and build upon López Obrador’s social policies, which were central to her campaign. She also vowed to increase the minimum wage, improve pensions, and reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours.

In terms of foreign relations, Sheinbaum promised to strengthen Mexico’s economic integration with North America through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

However, she could face potential challenges depending on the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election, as former President Donald Trump has proposed harsh economic measures that could severely impact Mexico, including 100% tariffs on vehicles made in the country.

Despite these hurdles, Sheinbaum enters office with significant political capital. Her Morena party holds a dominant majority in Congress, giving her unprecedented power to implement her agenda.

While López Obrador leaves office as one of the most popular presidents in Mexican history, Sheinbaum’s leadership will be defined by her ability to deliver on promises in a more pragmatic and less charismatic style.

In closing her address, Sheinbaum pledged to dedicate her knowledge, strength, and life to serving the people, promising a more prosperous, democratic, and just Mexico.