What to Expect Amid a New Horizon for Mexico

Claudia Sheinbaum's election as president of Mexico is a historic moment not only for the country, but also for the North American region, as she is the first woman to reach the presidency of Mexico. Her mandate raises questions about the direction the country will take in the coming years, with potential effects on public policies, the economy, and Mexican society, as well as on Mexico's role in the Latin American context.

Let's explore the opportunities and risks that Sheinbaum's new government represents, the possible public policies she will implement, the impact on social polarization, and the reaction of the business world to this new administration.

Sheinbaum's arrival represents a significant achievement in the political history of Mexico and Latin America, a region in which gender equality in the highest echelons of power remains a challenge. Her election sends a message of change and progress toward inclusion, inspiring millions of women in Mexico and other Latin American countries. In addition, it positions Mexico as a benchmark for progress on gender issues in North America, which could motivate other nations to pave the way for more women to reach positions of power.

The fact that Mexico has a female president could strengthen cooperation with other countries that promote gender equality and human rights. Sheinbaum is likely to seek alliances with countries and organizations that advocate for inclusion and social justice, positioning Mexico as a regional leader on issues of equality and human rights. This could open opportunities for international collaborations in areas such as female empowerment, education, and sustainable development.

As former head of government of Mexico City and a close ally of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), Sheinbaum has been a key figure in the development of social policies that characterized the previous administration. Her government is expected to maintain the focus on social welfare programs, but with adjustments that could give them a more inclusive and sustainable approach. In this regard, she is likely to prioritize improving social programs, such as subsidies for seniors, youth, and low-income families, with a focus on closing the inequality gap and improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable sectors.

Sheinbaum, a scientist and environmentalist by training, could push for a more robust environmental policy, prioritizing sustainability and the use of clean energy. She is likely to seek to strengthen renewable energy projects and reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels, which would represent a significant advance in the Latin American context, where the energy transition is an urgent challenge. These policies could position Mexico as a leader in sustainability, attracting investments in clean energy and strengthening alliances with other countries seeking to curb climate change.

The new president’s scientific approach could give a boost to education and technological development policies in Mexico. Her administration is expected to encourage investment in science, technology and innovation, which would benefit sectors such as industry, research and technological development. This would open opportunities for Mexico to position itself as a benchmark in innovation in Latin America and could strengthen cooperation with other countries in scientific and technological research projects.

Sheinbaum's agenda is likely to include a significant focus on social inclusion and the defense of human rights. This could strengthen gender equality, diversity, and inclusion policies for vulnerable groups and minorities, which would be a positive step forward for Mexican society in general. In the Latin American context, Mexico could become an example of inclusion and respect for the rights of all citizens, positioning itself as a country that values ​​diversity and equality.

However, one of the most notable challenges in the context of Sheinbaum's administration will be the social and political polarization in Mexico. During López Obrador's government, Mexico experienced a notable division in society, with sectors that strongly support leftist policies and others that oppose them. Sheinbaum's presidency, as a close ally of AMLO, could exacerbate this polarization, especially if she chooses to maintain the confrontational approach toward business and the middle class that characterized the rhetoric of the previous administration.

For Sheinbaum, the challenge will be to find a balance between continuing with her predecessor's policies and reducing social division. Achieving greater reconciliation between sectors of Mexican society will require a political strategy of dialog and openness that includes all groups, seeking to avoid conflict and exclusion.

The business sector in Mexico had a complicated relationship with the AMLO government, and Sheinbaum's government is likely to face a similar situation. The López Obrador administration implemented policies that many businesspeople perceive as restrictive, especially in areas such as private investment and energy reforms. While Sheinbaum could soften some of these policies to encourage greater investment, there is a risk of continued business mistrust if her approach is perceived as an extension of AMLO's policies.

For the business sector, one of the main challenges will be to adapt to regulatory policies that prioritize social justice and economic equity. Mexican businesspeople expect the new government to offer stability, transparency, and legal certainty to attract investment and generate employment. If Sheinbaum manages to establish an open and constructive dialog with the private sector, she could create a favorable environment for investment, which would be a benefit for both Mexico and the rest of the region.

Despite her alignment with AMLO's policies, Sheinbaum could implement her own vision in key areas, creating a contrast in some domestic policies. She may maintain austerity initiatives and the expansion of social programs, but with greater openness toward development and economic growth policies. However, continuity in social welfare and austerity policies could also limit resources to invest in strategic sectors, including infrastructure and economic development.

The challenge for Sheinbaum will be to find a balance between the continuity of AMLO's policies and the implementation of her own agenda. If she manages to combine both visions, she could generate a positive impact on the economy and Mexican society.

Insecurity and violence are the most serious problems facing Mexico and one of the most critical issues that Sheinbaum's administration will need to address. During AMLO's government, the "hugs, not bullets" strategy was questioned for its apparent lack of effectiveness in reducing violence. The new government will have the difficult task of reforming security policy without losing focus on social justice and human rights.

Mexican society expects Sheinbaum to adopt a more effective and forceful approach to combat violence and organized crime, without falling into practices that affect the civil rights of the population. In the context of Latin America, Mexico could strengthen its role as a leader in the fight against transnational crime and establish collaborations with other countries in the region on security issues.

Sheinbaum's rise to power could foster greater cooperation between Mexico and other Latin American countries. Her progressive approach to issues such as gender equity and social development is shared by other nations in the region, which could strengthen alliances and collaboration on issues of common interest, such as sustainability, education, and trade. In addition, Mexico's leadership as one of the main Spanish-speaking countries in North America could be consolidated, positioning the country as a key mediator and ally in regional problems and conflicts.

The relationship between Mexico and the United States is fundamental to the stability and economic development of both countries. Sheinbaum, as president, will need to find a balance in the relationship with Mexico’s northern neighbor, ensuring that Mexico's interests are respected while maintaining strategic collaboration on issues such as trade, security, and migration. The expectation is that Sheinbaum will maintain a stance of dialog and diplomacy, especially on migration and investment issues.

With Sheinbaum as president, Mexico has the opportunity to stand out as a leader regarding gender equality and human rights in the Latin American region. Her presidency could inspire a change in inclusion policies in other countries in the region, promoting the development of programs that support women's rights, equal opportunities, and social inclusion.