Claudia Sheinbaum’s First 100 Days: Achievements, Challenges

Claudia Sheinbaum's first 100 days as president have been marked by significant achievements alongside ongoing challenges. Although she has secured robust public support, she is confronted with rising violence and complex bilateral tensions with the United States.

Since her inauguration, more than 20 legislative reforms have been enacted, reflecting a blend of continuity with López Obrador’s agenda. Key reforms such as judicial reform, the dissolution of autonomous bodies, and the integration of the National Guard into the Ministry of National Defense, have been approved. Sheinbaum has also advanced her own legislative agenda, including amendments to Art. 21 of the Constitution to enhance the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection. Additional initiatives include the creation of the Ministry of Women, the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation, and the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications, along with renaming the Ministry of Public Administration as the Ministry of Anticorruption and Good Governance. “These first 100 days reflect a nuanced balance of continuity, innovation, and loyalty to López Obrador,” said Edgar Scott Aguilar, Professor, Tecnológico de Monterrey.

However, violence remains a challenge. Since her inauguration, there have been 7,016 homicides, averaging 70 deaths daily, according to the Ministry of Security. In response, Sheinbaum has implemented a security strategy anchored on four pillars: addressing root causes, consolidating the National Guard, strengthening intelligence and investigations, and fostering collaboration with state governments. "While insecurity was anticipated, particularly in regions like Sinaloa, Chiapas, and Guanajuato, and plans have been developed, her adherence to López Obrador's directives appears insufficient,” commented Rosiles, Professor, UNAM.

Sheinbaum’s administration is under increasing pressure with the prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency. Concerns over violence, migration, and fentanyl have heightened bilateral tensions. In response, the Mexican government has developed contingency plans for potential mass deportations and tariff threats under the framework of Plan Mexico. 

Experts highlight that Sheinbaum’s rhetoric, including her reaction to Trump’s proposals such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, signals a more assertive and combative diplomatic stance compared to her predecessor. "This shift could strain relations, but its long-term effectiveness remains uncertain," noted Scott Aguilar.

Despite these challenges, Sheinbaum’s presidency enjoys strong public support. A Mitofsky survey for El Economista indicated that 64% of citizens approve of her government, with 53.9% believing the country is on the right track. Additionally, a poll by El Financiero showed Sheinbaum with a 78% approval rating. With approval ratings ranging from 64% to 80%, her early presidency ranks among the most positively viewed in recent history.