Claudia Sheinbaum to be Sworn in as First Female President of Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, is set to be sworn in as Mexico’s first female president on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. She won the presidential election in June 2024 with nearly 60% of the votes, securing a decisive victory over her closest rival, Xóchitl Gálvez.
Sheinbaum’s inauguration marks a significant milestone in Mexican history, particularly for women, who gained the right to vote in 1953. Her election underscores the growing presence of women in Mexican politics, from city councils to gubernatorial posts and congress.
As the first person of Jewish ancestry to serve as president in an overwhelmingly Roman Catholic nation, Sheinbaum will also be Mexico’s 66th president since its independence from Spain in 1821. She will serve a single six-year term, as mandated under Mexican law.
The transfer of power is set to take place at a heavily scripted, two-hour morning ceremony at the Mexican Congress, attended by heads of state from across the globe, including leaders from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Guatemala. U.S. First Lady Jill Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are also scheduled to attend.
Sheinbaum is widely expected to continue the policies of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has been a dominant force in Mexican politics since 2018. She has pledged to safeguard and enhance the hallmark programs initiated by López Obrador, including welfare payments for students and the elderly, and the ‘hugs, not bullets’ strategy to tackle high violence rates.
However, Sheinbaum faces significant challenges, including addressing the nation’s high crime rates, managing a depreciating currency, and navigating strained relations with key trading partners. Her presidency will also be crucial in shaping Mexico’s foreign relations, particularly with the U.S., and addressing issues like immigration.
