Claudia Sheinbaum made history today by being sworn in as Mexico’s first female president, marking a significant milestone exactly 70 years after women gained the right to vote in the country. In a vibrant ceremony held in the main square of the capital, Sheinbaum, a prominent member of the Morena party and former governor of Mexico City, officially commenced her six-year term.
Addressing thousands of supporters, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of her victory, stating, “I don’t arrive alone but with all the women of Mexico.” Her powerful message resonated with the crowd as she denounced racism, classism, and machismo, calling for a united effort to transform Mexican society.
Sheinbaum succeeds outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has been a close ally and has maintained high popularity during his term. She pledged to uphold his initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the nation’s poorest citizens. “I will not let you down. I call on you to continue making history,” she declared, highlighting her roles as a mother, grandmother, scientist, and woman of faith.
In her inaugural address, Sheinbaum laid out her administration’s priorities, vowing to raise the minimum wage, enhance pensions, and reduce the working week from 48 to 40 hours. She also committed to bolstering economic integration within North America through the trilateral United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and seizing opportunities in nearshoring.
On the topic of human rights, Sheinbaum promised to champion sexual and cultural diversity, aiming to create more opportunities for women across the nation. Her recent electoral triumph in June, where she received nearly 60% of the vote, demonstrated widespread support for her vision and policies.
Sheinbaum’s political power is amplified by her party’s dominance in Congress, positioning her to effectively implement her agenda. López Obrador leaves office as one of the most popular presidents in Mexican history, with approval ratings hovering around 70%.
“I will put my knowledge, my strength, my history, and my very life at the service of the people and the homeland,” Sheinbaum affirmed. “Together, we will build a Mexico that is increasingly prosperous, free, democratic, sovereign, and just.”
