By KELIN DILLON

On the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 1, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (CSP) was sworn in as the 66th President of Mexico at the Legislative Palace of San Lázaro, using her inauguration speech as an opportunity to address the Mexican public about her future policy plans for the very first time as Mexico’s federal executive.

Sheinbaum’s presidency, from 2024 to 2030, is a historic milestone that marks the first time a woman or Jewish person has held Mexico’s highest office.

“Honorable Congress of the Union, people of Mexico: I swear to uphold and enforce the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States and the laws that emanate from it, and to loyally and patriotically perform the office of President of the Republic that the people have conferred upon me, looking in all things to the good and prosperity of the union, and if I do not do so, let the nation demand it of me,”  said Sheinbaum at the time.

During her inauguration speech, Sheinbaum touted the legacy of her predecessor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) before continuing to speak on her policy plans.

With a doctorate in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), CSP’s proposed policies include developing science education, price limits on gas and consumer goods, and expanding passenger rail and housing across Mexico. 

While Sheinbaum’s security strategy includes addressing the root causes of violence and strengthening the National Guard, she also indicated a continuation of López Obrador’s ‘hugs, not bullets’ approach.

CSP also spoke on her commitment to expanding social programs nationwide, including combatting pollution and making water a national resource.

Following the international controversies and fears brought on by AMLO’s constitutional judicial reform, Sheinbaum noted that her administration would respect foreign investment and nearshoring in Mexico.

“In our government, we will guarantee all freedoms; whoever says that there will be authoritarianism will be lying. Rest assured that the investments of national and foreign shareholders will be safe in our country,” said CSP.

Finally, Sheinbaum directly addressed the judicial reform itself, saying  “I am convinced that this reform is the best.”

“We are democrats; we want corruption in the judiciary to end,” concluded CSP, while emphasizing that the rights of judiciary workers would be “safeguarded” in Mexico.