On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Mexico City’s iconic Zocalo square pulsed with energy as an estimated 600,000 people filled its vast expanse. The occasion was a rally in support of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who, despite facing recent political turbulence, sought to reaffirm her mandate and the enduring popularity of her Morena party. The event also marked seven years since Morena, the leftist party that has reshaped Mexico’s political landscape, first came to power—a milestone that drew supporters from every corner of the country.
The crowd, a colorful tapestry of banners, chants, and even dolls depicting Sheinbaum herself, gathered not just to celebrate but to send a clear message. “Let no one be mistaken,” Sheinbaum declared from the stage, her voice echoing over the historic plaza. “The vast majority of young people support the transformation” of public life in Mexico, she emphasized, according to Digital Journal. The sentiment was echoed in the chants that rang out: “You are not alone!” and “Claudia, listen, the people are in the fight!”
For many in attendance, this was more than a political rally—it was a demonstration of unity and resilience in the face of a challenging month. November had seen the killing of Carlos Manzo, a mayor from the troubled Michoacan state, which set off two days of unrest. Protesters, furious over persistent violence and what they saw as inadequate government action, set fire to public buildings in a dramatic outpouring of frustration. The unrest didn’t stop there. In the capital, thousands marched through the streets to protest against drug violence and the government’s security policies, reflecting a nation grappling with the complex realities of crime and justice.
The turbulence culminated in the abrupt resignation of Mexico’s attorney general, Alejandro Gertz, in late November. As reported by Digital Journal, Gertz’s departure was linked to disagreements with Sheinbaum’s administration over crime policy—a sign of just how contentious the security debate has become, even within the highest levels of government.
Against this backdrop, Sheinbaum’s rally was as much about shoring up internal support as it was about facing down external critics. Political analyst Pablo Majluf told AFP that the event represented “an attempt at internal support, to reshape the narrative, to call for unity.” The need for unity is especially acute, given that Sheinbaum, who took office in 2024 after the six-year tenure of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has seen her approval ratings slip slightly—from a high of 74 percent in October to 71 percent in early December, according to Polls MX.
Still, those numbers remain enviably high for any world leader. Sheinbaum’s supporters point to a series of achievements, many of which have roots in the policies of her predecessor but have blossomed during her tenure. Poverty levels, for instance, have continued to decline—a trend that began under Lopez Obrador but has, so far, held steady under Sheinbaum. Social justice initiatives, especially those aimed at aiding the underprivileged and making Indigenous communities more visible, have won her praise among key demographics.
“I came out to support Sheinbaum because I feel Indigenous people are more visible under her government,” said 24-year-old Jose Perez, a craftsman of Otomi descent, as quoted by Digital Journal. His words capture a sense of hope that, for many, outweighs the recent turmoil.
But Sheinbaum’s administration has not been without its challenges. Prominent members of Morena have faced allegations of overspending, and the president herself has been described as “an incredibly efficient president” who “likes to be in control and demands a lot from her team,” according to political columnist Hernan Gomez Bruera, speaking to AFP. Yet, Gomez Bruera also noted that Sheinbaum is “very thin-skinned” and “has difficulty dealing with dissent”—a trait that could prove problematic as she navigates both internal and external pressures.
Morena’s seventh anniversary in power was an opportunity to reflect on both the party’s successes and its growing pains. The party, which swept into office on promises of transformation and social justice, has indeed shifted the political center of gravity in Mexico. But with power comes scrutiny, and Sheinbaum now faces it not only from opposition parties and civil society but also from within her own ranks.
Internationally, Sheinbaum has managed to walk a tightrope—particularly in her dealings with the United States. In a political climate often fraught with tension, she has been credited with keeping at bay threats from US President Donald Trump, who has previously floated the idea of imposing high trade tariffs and even military action on Mexican soil to combat drug cartels. “She has been very prudent” in her relationship with Trump, said Ana Laura Jacome, a 42-year-old housewife at the rally, speaking to Digital Journal. Jacome, who walked with a cane alongside fellow supporters, reflected a common sentiment among Sheinbaum’s base: a sense of cautious optimism about Mexico’s place on the world stage.
Just a day before the rally, Sheinbaum had traveled to Washington to meet with Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup draw, which the three countries will co-host. The meeting, focused on trade, was by all accounts cordial. Sheinbaum later posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the three nations maintain a “very good relationship,” underscoring her administration’s commitment to regional cooperation—even as domestic challenges mount.
For many supporters, the rally was a much-needed show of strength after weeks of political headwinds. The symbolism of gathering in the Zocalo—the very heart of Mexico’s political and cultural life—was not lost on anyone. Supporters waved flags, sang songs, and posed for photos with the Sheinbaum dolls that have become a fixture at Morena events. The mood was festive, but also determined: a reminder that, in Mexico, politics is as much about spectacle and symbolism as it is about policy.
Yet, beneath the surface, questions remain. Can Sheinbaum maintain her high approval ratings as she faces mounting security challenges and internal dissent? Will Morena’s promise of transformation continue to resonate as the party enters its eighth year in power? And how will the president balance the competing demands of unity, reform, and pragmatism in the months ahead?
For now, at least, Sheinbaum’s supporters have staked their claim in the Zocalo, signaling that—despite the setbacks and controversies—the movement she leads remains a powerful force in Mexican politics. The coming year will test both her leadership and the resilience of the Morena project, but on this December day, hope and solidarity carried the day.