Claudia Sheinbaum made history on Tuesday by becoming the first woman to serve as president of Mexico, marking a significant milestone for the country. The 62-year-old scientist and former mayor of Mexico City took the oath of office in a spirited ceremony held in Mexico's Congress.
Her inauguration speech, filled with promises for transformation, was centred on the empowerment of women, economic stability, and social reforms.
Sheinbaum began her term with a strong message, emphasising that it is indeed "time for transformation, time for women." She expressed pride in her diverse roles—mother, grandmother, scientist, and now president—highlighting how her journey has been shaped by both personal and professional experiences.
She attributed her victory to the will of the Mexican people, making it clear that her presidency would prioritise the needs of citizens. In her first speech as president, Sheinbaum addressed a critical issue of concern for many investors—economic stability.
She reassured investors that despite recent judicial reforms passed by her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexico would remain a secure destination for international investment.
She underlined the autonomy of the central bank and sought to alleviate fears by guaranteeing the safety of both national and foreign investments in the country. Her statement aimed to send a message that her administration would balance transformation with economic predictability.
Economist Alberto Ramos of Goldman Sachs highlighted that Sheinbaum’s leadership will be evaluated based on her ability to create a stable and investment-friendly regulatory environment.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline, safeguarding public security, and ensuring the integrity of crucial institutions such as Pemex, the state oil company, which is heavily indebted. Sheinbaum committed to ensuring that Pemex would maintain its current daily oil production of 1.8 million barrels, indicating continuity in the energy sector.
Mexico's relationship with the United States also took the spotlight in Sheinbaum's early presidency. With upcoming presidential elections in the U.S., her government faces potential economic challenges, especially if Donald Trump, who has promised to reintroduce tariffs on Mexican imports, wins. This possibility could affect market stability, presenting a significant hurdle for Sheinbaum’s administration to navigate.
Before November 15, Sheinbaum’s government will present its first budget—a crucial document that will reveal the administration's fiscal priorities and plans.
She has pledged to reduce the fiscal deficit from an estimated 5.9 percent of GDP to 3.5 percent, which would signal a commitment to fiscal responsibility and prudent economic management. Analysts and investors alike will be closely examining the budget for indications of her approach toward managing state resources.
In addition to economic stability, Claudia Sheinbaum laid out an ambitious social agenda during her speech in Mexico City's historic Zocalo square. She promised 100 initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Mexicans.
These commitments included expanding public healthcare and education, building one million new homes, capping the prices of essential goods, and launching reforms to combat gender violence and discrimination. These pledges align with her long-standing dedication to social justice, which she has emphasised throughout her political career.
One of Sheinbaum’s key promises is a legislative package to fight gender violence and discrimination. She is set to unveil the details on Thursday, including potential changes to the Mexican constitution.
She stressed that addressing femicide and violence against women is a priority, as Mexico remains one of the countries with the highest rates of violence against women in the world. Her proposals seek to protect women from harm, reduce impunity, and ensure that those who commit crimes against women are held accountable.
Her comprehensive approach to social issues is not only aimed at providing security but also at fostering broader social welfare. She spoke passionately about prioritising the "happiness and wellbeing of the people," underscoring her commitment to inclusive governance and the upliftment of all sectors of society. Her emphasis on equality and human dignity reflects a vision of leadership that is grounded in compassion and practical solutions.
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