By Melissa T. Castro

Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, took office on Tuesday, Oct. 1, pledging to continue outgoing president AMLO’s reforms and vision.

The 62-year-old former mayor of Mexico City must navigate a series of hurdles in her first few months – stagnant economic growth of just 1%; a national deficit of almost 6%; an eleventh-hour controversial judicial overhaul pushed through by her predecessor; a debilitated public heath care system; upcoming US election‘s that could further shift relations with Mexico’s top trading partner; and swaths of the country living under the control of drug cartels.

Sheinbaum’s inaugural address signalled continuity with AMLO’s policies, while promising to limit the rising prices of food and petrol, expand cash hand-out programs for vulnerable citizens, and support business investment. Little mention was given to Mexico’s unfettered violence, murders, and disappearances.

Sheinbaum is set to serve a six-year term, ending in 2030.