Claudia Sheinbaum: A New Era of Promise and Peril for Mexico

Claudia Sheinbaum’s election as Mexico’s first female president in 2024 marks a historic moment for the country, but it also brings both optimism and concerns. As a close ally of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), Sheinbaum has vowed to continue his policies, raising questions about what changes and challenges lie ahead for the nation.

Pros of Claudia Sheinbaum’s Presidency

Expansion of Social Welfare Programs

Sheinbaum is committed to continuing AMLO’s focus on social welfare, which has been one of his administration’s most popular achievements. Programs like pensions for the elderly, scholarships for students, and financial support for marginalized communities are all expected to expand under her leadership. These initiatives have helped reduce poverty and provided opportunities for underserved populations across Mexico. For many voters, this is a positive step, as it ensures continuity in programs that have shown tangible benefits for millions of people. By keeping these initiatives in place, Sheinbaum ensures that the poorest Mexicans continue to receive much-needed support.

Environmental and Energy Policies

With a background in environmental science and engineering, Sheinbaum has been a strong advocate for green energy and sustainable development. During her time as mayor of Mexico City, she implemented various environmentally friendly policies, including projects that promoted clean energy and reduced pollution. As president, she plans to build on this by reducing Mexico’s dependency on fossil fuels and increasing investments in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This environmental focus is seen as a forward-thinking approach that could position Mexico as a leader in sustainable energy in Latin America​.

Nearshoring and Economic Opportunities

Sheinbaum supports policies that could boost Mexico’s economy through nearshoring—the practice of companies moving their manufacturing operations closer to North America to reduce costs and avoid supply chain disruptions. Mexico, with its proximity to the U.S., stands to benefit from this trend as foreign companies seek to relocate their operations. This shift could create jobs and increase foreign investment, particularly in industries like electronics and automotive manufacturing. Her administration is expected to promote policies that make Mexico an attractive destination for such investments, helping to grow the economy.

Public Safety Focus

As the former mayor of Mexico City, Sheinbaum has experience dealing with complex public safety issues. She implemented several reforms aimed at improving the city’s police force and tackling crime. As president, she plans to continue focusing on security, which is one of Mexico’s most pressing concerns due to the ongoing violence fueled by drug cartels. Strengthening law enforcement and increasing bilateral cooperation with the U.S. on issues such as border security and crime prevention are likely to be priorities under her administration​.

Cons of Claudia Sheinbaum’s Presidency

Continued Militarization of Security

One of the most controversial aspects of Sheinbaum’s presidency is her decision to continue AMLO’s strategy of using the military for internal security operations. While this approach enjoys some public support due to its perceived effectiveness in combating organized crime, it has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. The use of military forces in civilian policing has been linked to abuses, and critics argue that this approach does not address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunities. Moreover, relying on the military for security could hinder the development of stronger, more effective civilian police forces​.

Economic Challenges

While Sheinbaum supports expanding social welfare programs, funding them will be a significant challenge given Mexico’s sluggish economic growth. The government will need to find ways to balance social spending with fiscal responsibility. Additionally, while nearshoring may benefit urban centers and industrial regions, it is unlikely to bring the same level of economic development to rural and underserved areas, which could further widen the wealth gap between different parts of the country.

Concerns Over Policy Continuity

Although Sheinbaum’s ties to AMLO provide a sense of stability and continuity, some critics argue that her presidency lacks the innovation needed to address Mexico’s evolving challenges. Many of her policies are seen as extensions of AMLO’s agenda, which has been criticized for over-reliance on state control in sectors like energy. This could discourage private investment and stifle economic growth. Without introducing fresh ideas or reforms, her administration risks being seen as too dependent on AMLO’s legacy, which could alienate voters who are seeking change.

Migration Management Issues

Migration remains a complex issue for Mexico, both as a country of transit and as a destination for migrants from Central America. Under AMLO, Mexico implemented stricter immigration policies to appease U.S. demands, which led to overcrowded detention centers and humanitarian crises. Sheinbaum will face pressure to manage the increasing flow of migrants while addressing the root causes, such as violence and poverty in Central America. Balancing domestic and international expectations on this issue will be a key challenge.

Conclusion

Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidency brings hope for continuity in social welfare and environmental initiatives, as well as opportunities for economic growth through nearshoring. However, her reliance on militarized security forces, economic hurdles, and close alignment with AMLO’s policies could pose significant challenges. Whether she can navigate these complexities and leave her own mark on Mexico’s future remains to be seen.