Claudia Sheinbaum’s historic election marks a turning point for Mexico, as she becomes the nation’s first woman president in over 200 years of independence. This victory, propelled by her promise of continuity, follows a disciplined campaign that effectively leveraged the popularity of her predecessor. As Mexicans celebrate this milestone, attention now turns to how President Mexican Sheinbaum, while inheriting the legacy of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, will forge her own distinct path and leadership style.
Sheinbaum’s political alignment is closely linked to López Obrador, and she shares his vision for addressing inequality through government intervention. However, she is perceived to be less confrontational and more inclined towards data-driven decision-making. This difference in approach stems partly from her unique background.
With a Ph.D. in energy engineering and a brother who is a physicist, Sheinbaum’s foundation in science significantly shapes her perspective. “I believe in science,” she stated in a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, a principle that observers noted was evident in her governance as Mexico City’s mayor, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, Sheinbaum’s administration in Mexico City, a metropolis of approximately 9 million inhabitants, adopted a different strategy compared to López Obrador’s national approach. While the federal government minimized the importance of widespread coronavirus testing, Mexico City expanded its testing capabilities. Sheinbaum implemented restrictions on business operating hours and capacity to curb virus transmission, a contrast to López Obrador’s reluctance to impose measures that could negatively impact the economy. Furthermore, her public adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing stood in stark contrast to the president’s more relaxed approach.
One of the most pressing issues awaiting President Mexican Sheinbaum upon assuming office on October 1st is Mexico’s persistent and high levels of violence. Throughout her campaign, her strategy to combat this challenge largely echoed López Obrador’s, focusing on expanding the National Guard and addressing the underlying social issues that contribute to cartel recruitment among young Mexicans.
“Let it be clear, it doesn’t mean an iron fist, wars or authoritarianism,” Sheinbaum clarified at her final campaign event, outlining her approach to criminal gangs. “We will promote a strategy of addressing the causes and continue moving toward zero impunity.”
Sheinbaum has consistently expressed admiration for López Obrador, largely echoing his public statements. She has attributed poverty to neoliberal economic policies, advocated for a robust welfare state, and praised Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, while simultaneously pledging to prioritize clean energy initiatives. “For me, being from the left has to do with that, with guaranteeing the minimum rights to all residents,” Sheinbaum explained to the AP last year.
In contrast to López Obrador’s open clashes with other government branches and the media, many anticipate President Mexican Sheinbaum to adopt a less combative or more selective approach to political disputes. “It appears she’s going to go in a different direction,” observed Ivonne Acuña Murillo, a political scientist at Iberoamerican University. “I don’t know how much.”
Adding another layer of historical significance to her presidency, Sheinbaum is also the first individual with a Jewish background to lead Mexico, a predominantly Catholic nation. As she steps into this significant role, the world watches to see how President Mexican Claudia Sheinbaum will navigate the complexities of leadership, building upon the foundations laid by her predecessor while charting her own course for Mexico’s future.
