By Alejandra Garcia on October 1, 2024
Claudia Sheinbaum Sworn in as President of Mexico, Photo: @TiempoDigitalMx
On Tuesday, Claudia Sheinbaum went down in Mexican history as the first woman president in 200 years of independence. Before presidents and other high-ranking officials from more than 100 countries and 22 international organizations, she promised to continue the legacy of her political mentor and predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, emphasizing the need to focus on addressing the poverty that affects 40% of Mexico’s 127 million people.
The path will not be easy. There’s much to be done amid the recent wave of drug cartels-related violence and economic challenges, as well as historic promises, such as clarifying what happened to the 43 Ayotzinapa students. However, the people are receiving Sheinbaum’s vision with hope and fresh energies and are relieved by the new president’s commitment to follow AMLO’s legacy of humanism. “With the people everything, without the people nothing,” she said.
Amidst applause, cheers, and hugs, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, received the presidential sash from the hand of Ifigenia Martinez, the historic leader of the left wing in the country. Afterward, Sheinbaum recognized the work of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, defining him as the best and most beloved president of Mexico. She also stressed the importance of reaching the position she holds today, “together with all of them,” she said, referring to Mexico’s illustrious men and women who have defended democracy throughout time.
New Emblem of the Mexican Government.
The leader also welcomed and thanked “the presence of representatives from 105 countries who are joining us today as a demonstration of Mexico’s commitment to the international community and the friendship that unites us with all the peoples of the world,” she mentioned during her first address as president, months after she romped to victory, last June, with nearly 60% of the votes.
Presidents of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel; Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Colombia, Gustavo Petro; and Chile, Gabriel Boric, attended the inauguration; along with the leaders of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro; Honduras, Xiomara Castro, and Guatemala, Bernardo Arevalo, among others. Latin America unites to welcome the new leader, who is willing to follow AMLO’s steps regarding his policy of tolerance and respect toward the self-determination of the people of the region and the world.
In her first speech as president, Sheinbaum also ensured her willingness to improve the fiscal discipline and the autonomy of the country’s central bank and increase the relocation of companies during her six-year term. She also assured that domestic and foreign investments are secured in Latin America’s second-largest economy and that women will continue to play a major role in the development of the North American country. However, these goals are a long way ahead and will take a determined struggle to achieve.
“Woman first are powerful symbols, but they do not gain magic power,” she said. “Especially when the governance challenges are so large, expecting magic solutions overnight can also generate outsized disappointment.”
Hundreds of people are trying to enter Mexico City’s Zócalo on Tuesday afternoon to witness President Claudia Sheinbaum’s inauguration ceremony up close. The capital police have marked the pedestrian path for the entrance of guests and the public, which has made it difficult for supporters, who hope to advance in the streets surrounding the Constitution Square overflowing with people. Everyone wants to see with their own eyes the woman who is ushering in a new era for Mexico.
Source: Resumen Latinoamericano – US