Claudia Sheinbaum is making history as she prepares to be sworn in as Mexico's first female president on October 1, 2024. With more than 35 million votes backing her, Sheinbaum is entering her six-year term with high expectations from the public, bolstered by her recent landslide victory. A new poll reveals significant support, with 64.1% of respondents expressing they expect "a lot" from her administration. Her election not only marks a milestone for women in politics but also signals changes on the horizon.
Sheinbaum, who previously served as the mayor of Mexico City and represented the ruling Morena party, will take over the presidency from Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). Under his leadership, she had developed her platform, emphasizing clean energy and the advancement of electromobility. Expectations for radical shifts abound, as her administration is anticipated to pursue policies favoring the electric vehicle industry. Prominent leaders from around Latin America, along with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden representing the United States, are confirmed to attend her inauguration ceremony.
The transition of power holds significant weight. Sheinbaum will be sworn in at the Legislative Palace of San Lázaro during a public ceremony attended by members of Congress. The event kicks off at 9 AM, where she will take the president's oath, committing to uphold the Constitution and laws of Mexico. Following this formal inauguration, she is expected to address Congress, likely highlighting her historic ascension as well as recognizing the achievements of the outgoing administration.
Speculation about Sheinbaum’s policies is rampant. Observers are closely watching her stance on foreign diplomacy, particularly as she recently declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request for her to visit Ukraine. Sheinbaum stressed her focus would be on domestic issues, adhering to Mexico's constitutional principles of non-intervention.
The new president has expressed intentions to shift Mexico’s foreign policy approach, reaffirming the importance of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. While she’s expected to engage with international leaders, her administration is committed to maintaining diplomatic relations without getting involved in foreign conflicts, aside from her recent break with Ecuador over diplomatic tensions.
Examining her plans for the domestic front, Sheinbaum has outlined aspirations for advancing correlation between environmental policies and economic growth. This includes bold initiatives to support the electric vehicle sector, aiming to overcome legislation lapsing under her predecessor, which had hampered clean energy endeavors. Sheinbaum is seen as a proponent of electromobility, having set forth plans for more electric public transit solutions like cable buses and Metrobús systems during her tenure as mayor.
Experts within the electric vehicle industry are expressing optimism about her administration. Juan Carlos Abascal, from Mobility ADO, mentions the likely continuity of electromobility initiatives, observing Sheinbaum’s historical commitment to the issue. Industry figures point to her administration’s anticipated focus on creating legislation more favorable to clean energy compared to AMLO’s policies, which they argue had stifled growth.
Intriguingly, the electromobility conversation isn’t the only topic on Sheinbaum's agenda. Public opinion mirrors confidence as many Mexicans anticipate efficacy and results from her term. The combination of her substantial electoral win and the strength of the Morena party bolsters expectations, culminating with serious support among those who feel represented by her presidency.
The inauguration's structure itself will be notable, featuring traditional elements like the passing of the presidential sash, marking the transition of one leader to another. President López Obrador will ceremonially pass the sash to Congressional President Ifigenia Martha Martínez y Hernández, who, at 94 years old, not only marks the occasion with her age but also as the first woman to hand over the presidential sash. This historic twist lends significance to the overall event, as it encapsulates the changing dynamics of Mexican politics.
Sheinbaum's speech following her swearing-in is expected to resonate with historical significance, framing her position as not just the first female president but as part of an inclusive narrative for women. She’s likely to express gratitude for the persistent support from López Obrador, who has been pivotal for her, albeit signaling where her administration will push beyond the existing paradigm.
What will the Sheinbaum presidency mean for Mexicans? Early indications suggest she intends to bolster the burgeoning electric vehicle industry; solidify infrastructure needs; and focus primarily on domestic concerns over foreign engagements. Her ability to balance these expectations might define not only her leadership style but also the future rapport between Mexico and its global counterparts.
Ahead of her official swearing-in, the waves of anticipation continue to rise as the nation awaits the promises of what Sheinbaum’s government will produce.
