Scientist-turned-politician takes oath of office in Congress with legislators chanting \u201cPresidenta!\u201d in recognition
\n Mexico city
\nClaudia Sheinbaum made history on Tuesday by becoming Mexico\u2019s first female president, ushering in a new era for the country more than 200 years after its independence.
\nThe 62-year-old scientist-turned-politician took the oath of office in Congress, where legislators enthusiastically chanted \u201cPresidenta!\u201d in recognition of her milestone.
\nSheinbaum, a close ally of her predecessor Andr\u00e9s Manuel L\u00f3pez Obrador, inherits a nation grappling with significant challenges, including persistent violence, economic stagnation, and the aftermath of recent natural disasters.
\nNonetheless, she rode to victory with nearly 60% of the vote in June, driven largely by L\u00f3pez Obrador\u2019s popular social programs and her pledge to continue his policies.
\nIn her inaugural address, Sheinbaum celebrated the historical significance of her presidency, acknowledging the generations of Mexican women who paved the way.
\n\u201cI don\u2019t arrive alone,\u201d she declared, \u201cbut with all the women of Mexico.\u201d She emphasized her commitment to fighting racism, classism, and machismo, themes central to her political platform.
\nSheinbaum outlined a series of ambitious goals for her presidency.
\nShe vowed to limit the prices of essential goods like gasoline and food, increase social welfare programs for women and children, and enhance business investment, housing, and infrastructure development, particularly in the construction of passenger railways.
\nNotably, Sheinbaum briefly addressed Mexico\u2019s enduring issue of drug cartel violence, affirming her intent to continue L\u00f3pez Obrador\u2019s controversial \u201cHugs not Bullets\u201d approach, which focuses on addressing the root causes of crime rather than directly confronting the cartels.
\nWhile she promised more intelligence and investigative work, she made it clear that there would be \u201cno return to the irresponsible drug war.\u201d
\nAfter the swearing-in ceremony, Sheinbaum participated in a symbolic ritual in Mexico City\u2019s main square, the Z\u00f3calo, where she was honored by an all-women Indigenous committee.
\nShe was blessed by a spiritual guide and handed a traditional staff of authority, representing her connection to Mexico\u2019s Indigenous communities.
\nSheinbaum\u2019s administration faces immediate challenges, including recovery efforts in Acapulco, which was recently devastated by Hurricane John, leaving significant destruction and at least 17 dead.
\nThe city had not fully recovered from Hurricane Otis in 2023 when it was hit again. Additionally, cartel-related violence continues to plague regions like Culiac\u00e1n, where factions of the Sinaloa cartel are fighting for control.
\nOne of Sheinbaum\u2019s top priorities is to maintain and build upon L\u00f3pez Obrador\u2019s social policies, which were central to her campaign. She also vowed to increase the minimum wage, improve pensions, and reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours.
\nIn terms of foreign relations, Sheinbaum promised to strengthen Mexico\u2019s economic integration with North America through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
\nHowever, she could face potential challenges depending on the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election, as former President Donald Trump has proposed harsh economic measures that could severely impact Mexico, including 100% tariffs on vehicles made in the country.
\nDespite these hurdles, Sheinbaum enters office with significant political capital. Her Morena party holds a dominant majority in Congress, giving her unprecedented power to implement her agenda.
\nWhile L\u00f3pez Obrador leaves office as one of the most popular presidents in Mexican history, Sheinbaum\u2019s leadership will be defined by her ability to deliver on promises in a more pragmatic and less charismatic style.
\nIn closing her address, Sheinbaum pledged to dedicate her knowledge, strength, and life to serving the people, promising a more prosperous, democratic, and just Mexico.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Scientist-turned-politician takes oath of office in Congress with legislators chanting \u201cPresidenta!\u201d in recognition Mexico city Claudia Sheinbaum made history on Tuesday by becoming Mexico\u2019s first female president, ushering in a new era for the country more than 200 years after its independence. The 62-year-old scientist-turned-politician took the oath of office in Congress, where legislators enthusiastically […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":434974,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-434960","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n