MEXICO: Sheinbaum inaugurated as president

Thank you for reading LatinNews' chosen article from the LatinNews Daily - 2 October 2024

On 1 October Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico’s first female?president.

Analysis:

Sheinbaum’s inauguration took place in congress, where she took the oath of office and received the presidential sash. Later, Sheinbaum addressed crowds in the Zócalo, or main square, of Mexico City (CDMX), laying out 100 pledges for her six years in office in an echo of the 100 commitments announced by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, on taking office in December 2018. Sheinbaum paid homage to her predecessor, whose popularity played a part in sweeping her to power, and promised to continue his political project, known as the ‘Fourth Transformation’ or ‘4T’. However, she was clear that this would be a new stage of the 4T, suggesting her government will bring about continuity with change. Indeed, some of the points highlighted in her Zócalo speech, particularly in relation to women’s rights, green energy, technological innovation, and foreign investment, gave clues of the ways in which her administration may differ from that of her predecessor.

• “It’s time for transformation, it’s time for women,” declared Sheinbaum after being inaugurated. She hailed López Obrador as “the best president of Mexico” and pledged to continue his Fourth Transformation, highlighting as its main focuses reducing inequality, eradicating corruption, promoting freedom, and defending sovereignty.
• She thanked representatives from 105 different countries in attendance, including regional leftist allies such as Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo, and Honduras’ President Xiomara Castro. US First Lady Jill Biden was also in attendance, as well as the European Union (EU)’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell. Spain was notable in its absence following a dispute over Sheinbaum’s decision not to invite King Felipe VI.
• In both her speech in congress and the Zócalo, Sheinbaum addressed two controversial constitutional reform initiatives that congress passed in the final weeks of López Obrador’s presidency. She denied that a judicial reform, which many have warned opens the judiciary up to political influence, was authoritarian, saying it would boost the independence of the judiciary and eradicate corruption. She also refuted claims that a reform to bring the national guard (GN) under military command constituted militarisation.
• Sheinbaum also outlined plans for a reform of the electoral system and confirmed she would submit to a presidential recall vote in 2027, halfway through her term.?
• She also announced she would send a package of reforms to congress tomorrow (3 October) focused on gender equality and gender violence. The package includes initiatives to eliminate the gender pay gap; dictate gender balance in municipal and state governments; standardise the definition of femicide in all state penal codes; and ensure all states have a specialised femicide prosecutor’s office.
• The 100 pledges also covered topics including energy, healthcare, education, agriculture, housing, employment, and connectivity. Sheinbaum promised to continue the hugely popular social welfare programmes initiated under López Obrador, as well as other popular policies such as continuing to raise the minimum wage and building roads in rural communities.
• The new president also sought to assuage investors, given concerns over the dominance of the ruling Movimiento Regeneración Nacional (Morena) and the judicial reform. She reiterated that the central bank (Banxico) would remain autonomous and said her government would welcome nearshoring investments.

Looking Ahead: Sheinbaum is due to give her first ‘ma?anera’ (morning press conference) as president tomorrow (3 October), carrying on the tradition started by López Obrador. She will also travel to the resort city of Acapulco in Guerrero state which has been hard hit by Hurricane John. ?

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Articles in this issue:

• COLOMBIA: ELN attacks continue
• In brief: Colombia’s Ecopetrol announces US$1bn investment plan
• BRAZIL: Brazil receives Moody’s boost
• In brief: Brazil raises electricity tariff
• EL SALVADOR/ARGENTINA: Bukele and Milei boost ties
• In brief: Costa Rica hails rise in FDI
• In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum pledges green energy push
• URUGUAY: Lacalle Pou calls on voters to reject pension changes
• In brief: Chile’s growth falters