Claudia Sheinbaum

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo?

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (born June 24, 1962) is a Mexican politician, scientist, and academic who became the 66th president of Mexico on October 1, 2024. Her journey to the presidency is nothing short of remarkable, blending her expertise in energy engineering with her commitment to sustainable development.

A Scientific Mind

Sheinbaum received her Doctor of Philosophy in energy engineering from UNAM and has authored over 100 articles and two books on energy, environment, and sustainable development. Her contributions extend beyond academia; she was a key contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and was named one of BBC’s 100 Women in 2018.

From Lab to Politics

Her path from laboratory to politics is a testament to her multifaceted skills. Sheinbaum joined the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) in 1989 and served as secretary of the environment in Mexico City from 2000 to 2006 under Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Her tenure was marked by significant environmental initiatives, including the creation of ecological reserves and a focus on reducing air pollution.

Leadership in Mexico City

Sheinbaum’s leadership as Head of Government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023 was characterized by ambitious projects aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure, education, and public safety. She launched a new six-year environmental plan to reduce air pollution by 30%, plant 15 million trees, ban single-use plastics, and promote recycling.

Environmental Initiatives

Her administration tackled security concerns through four key axes: addressing root causes, enhancing police forces, expanding intelligence capabilities, and improving coordination. During her term, Mexico City saw a decrease in homicides from 17.9 to 8.6 per 100,000 people. Sheinbaum also focused on dismantling criminal organizations and deployed the National Guard in Mexico City.

Presidential Campaign

In 2023, Sheinbaum announced her candidacy for Morena’s presidential nomination. Her campaign was centered around continuing President López Obrador’s Fourth Transformation policies. She secured first place with 15.9% of the vote at her campaign launch on April 1, 2018. She committed to generating 1 million jobs during her term, maintaining the universal pension for seniors, and expanding the Mexico City Metrobús system.

Winning the Presidency

Sheinbaum won the general election in 2024 with 39.38% of the vote, defeating her closest opponent by around 13 points. Her inauguration on October 1, 2024, marked a historic moment as she became the first woman and person of predominantly Jewish heritage to hold the office of president of Mexico.

Policy Implementation

As president, Sheinbaum has continued her predecessor’s practice of holding ‘mañaneras,’ regular press briefings in the morning. She issued a decree acknowledging the State’s responsibility for the Tlatelolco massacre on its anniversary and announced a data-driven strategy to combat crime, focusing on improved policing, intelligence, and addressing root causes.

Key Policies

Sheinbaum has adopted a more hard-handed approach toward organized crime, marking a departure from López Obrador’s ‘hugs, not bullets’ strategy. The government reported the arrest of 7,720 individuals, the seizure of 66 tons of drugs, and the dismantling of 115 methamphetamine laboratories by her first 100 days in office.

Environmental Commitment

Sheinbaum has been a vocal advocate for environmental policies. She published a constitutional amendment reestablishing the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and Pemex as public entities, asserting that the judicial branch lacked authority over constitutional amendments.

Infrastructure Projects

Her administration committed to expanding Mexico’s passenger rail network, publishing a constitutional amendment restoring the Mexican State’s authority to use railway lines for passenger transport services. She also announced plans to modernize six ports across Mexico, investing MX$33 billion.

As the first woman and person of predominantly Jewish heritage to hold the office, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s presidency is a beacon of hope for gender equality and sustainable development. Her journey from academia to politics showcases her dedication to making Mexico a greener, safer, and more equitable nation.

In conclusion, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s presidency marks a significant milestone in Mexican history. Her commitment to environmental sustainability, public safety, and social justice sets a powerful example for future leaders worldwide. As she continues to navigate the complex challenges of governance, her legacy is one of progress and perseverance.