Claudia Sheinbaum Takes Office as Mexico's First Female President, Pledges Continuity in Leadership
Claudia Sheinbaum officially became the president of Mexico on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to hold the position. Her inauguration was accompanied by a commitment to uphold the achievements of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, emphasizing the importance of Mexican humanism in guiding the nation’s future.
In her acceptance speech, Sheinbaum acknowledged the significance of the past six years under López Obrador, stating, "We will continue with Mexican humanism." She received the presidential sash from Ifigenia Martínez, the president of the Chamber of Deputies, in a ceremony that was both celebratory and filled with historical references.
The absence of Spain's King Felipe VI at the inauguration, a point of contention due to a diplomatic dispute stemming from a 2019 letter from López Obrador that requested an apology for the conquest, was briefly touched upon. Although the king was not invited, Sheinbaum expressed gratitude for the presence of Spanish deputies, which illustrated her willingness to maintain diplomatic ties despite ongoing tensions.
During her speech, she lauded López Obrador as Mexico's most revered president, making comparisons to former President Lázaro Cárdenas. "You will always be where those who fight their whole lives reside. You restore hope and joy, and you will always be in the heart of the people of Mexico," Sheinbaum stated, underscoring the deep respect she holds for her predecessor.
Sheinbaum’s message also included a strong commitment to democracy and human rights. She affirmed that her administration would "never use the power of the State to repress the people," promising to safeguard freedoms related to expression, press, assembly, and mobilization. This pledge was aimed at assuring citizens that her government would uphold democratic principles.
Furthermore, Sheinbaum highlighted the significant socioeconomic progress made during the previous administration, claiming that 95 million Mexicans had been lifted out of poverty, and that inequalities had been reduced while foreign investments and salaries improved. She emphasized a shift away from the neoliberal model that had previously dominated, towards one rooted in a love for the people and integrity, encapsulated in what she termed Mexican humanism.
On the international stage, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s commitment to nonintervention and peaceful conflict resolution, aligning with constitutional principles that advocate for the self-determination of peoples.
As Sheinbaum embarks on her presidency, the path forward appears to be a continuation of the previous administration's policies, underlined by a strong dedication to democratic values and social reform.
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