“For the first time in 200 years of the Republic, I shall become the first female president of Mexico,” said Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo after her victory on June 2nd, 2024. This declaration followed her winning the election with a majority vote between 58.3% and 60.7% alongside her party, Morena. The speech underscored a ground-breaking achievement for the left, marking a significant milestone in Mexican politics. It signified a shift from traditional right-wing and machismo narratives to increased gender representation in leadership roles, transforming not only the political landscape in Mexico but also making a global impact.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s election as Mexico’s President has been broadly celebrated and hailed as a milestone for change and women’s empowerment, with The New York Times announcing, “Claudia Sheinbaum Makes History.” However, her victory has stirred mixed reactions domestically. Supporters see her as the change Mexico needs. Still, critics worry about the concentration of power and the country’s shift towards leftist policies, echoing concerns typical of Latin America’s history with the left. Economista Mexico acknowledges fears of socialism but argues that this political shift could foster economic and social progress. Meanwhile, The Financial Times highlights investor anxiety, citing historical apprehensions about major policy shifts as reasons for the peso’s sell-off.
Despite recently overtaking China as the top U.S. goods supplier, Sheinbaum inherits a significant budget deficit from Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s (AMLO) expansive welfare and infrastructure programs. Her presidency represents a complex interplay of progressive optimism and pragmatic concerns about power dynamics in Mexico and globally.

Her ascent to the presidency signals a hopeful chapter for progressive values, particularly through her unwavering commitment to renewable green energy. This commitment is not just a political stance; it reflects her activist roots and her Nobel Peace Prize-winning scholarly work in 2007. As a seasoned technocrat with proven results in crime reduction and efficient public health campaigns in Mexico City, she has a unique opportunity to extend these successes nationwide, distinguishing her efforts from those of her predecessor.

Her victory speech, celebrated by both international viewers and the Mexican people who supported her, captured the spirit of feminist leadership and perfectly aligned with the United Nations’ fifth goal, which views female empowerment as a fundamental human right. However, given her past negative interactions with Mexican feminist movements, it remains to be seen if having a female president who can voice these concerns will actually reduce the number of femicides and improve women’s rights in Mexico.

Sheinbaum’s background and expertise provide a robust foundation to inspire change and set a positive example for leaders worldwide. Nonetheless, her past experiences underscore the critical need for accountability. Notably, infrastructural failures during her tenure as Mayor of Mexico City, such as the tragic collapse of a local school after an earthquake and a separate incident on the Line 12 metro due to lack of maintenance, serve as stark reminders. Therefore, holding her accountable is essential to ensure that her presidency advances progressive ideals and upholds the highest safety standards.

Sheinbaum’s tenure will pose significant challenges as she inherits numerous difficulties. There is a nearly 6% GDP budget deficit due to expanded welfare and infrastructure spending by her predecessor. Additionally, she faces persistent security issues, with 220,000 people murdered or gone missing during AMLO’s term, with increasing numbers during the elections. She must navigate constitutional reforms and manage energy policy tensions surrounding the state-controlled energy company Pemex while pushing for renewable initiatives. She must also handle delicate relations with the U.S., especially amid potential political and policy shifts with the possible return of Trump. Sheinbaum will have to balance progressive domestic agendas with maintaining international economic stability.

As Sheinbaum assumes her role, she has the potential to significantly influence both domestic and international perceptions of leadership. Her blend of technical expertise and progressive policies has prepared her to enact substantial change, but this requires that we all hold her accountable to prevent history from repeating itself. Her presidency could transform the narrative for left-wing parties in Latin America by addressing past human rights violations and ensuring widespread benefits to all Mexicans. This approach would not only distinguish her from AMLO but also mark her tenure as historically significant.