Poverty Reduction and Challenges Await Mexico’s New President, Sheinbaum

Claudia Sheinbaum has taken office as Mexico’s first female president, aiming to continue AMLO’s policies that focus on poverty reduction and social equality. While there have been successes such as decreasing poverty rates, Sheinbaum faces challenges, including rising extreme poverty and controversial constitutional reforms. She plans to address women’s issues and maintain a relationship with marginalized groups, reflecting a possible shift in governance style from her predecessor.

Claudia Sheinbaum has officially assumed the presidency of Mexico following a decisive electoral victory, becoming the nation’s first female president. With approximately 60 percent of the vote, she aims to maintain the high approval ratings experienced during the tenure of her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), through policies focused on alleviating poverty and addressing social inequality. As President, Sheinbaum is tasked with navigating significant challenges, including dealing with complex constitutional reforms, managing organized crime and violence, and effective governance for the Mexican populace. Acknowledged for her former role as Mexico City’s first female mayor and an environmental scientist, Sheinbaum has remained steadfastly aligned with AMLO’s pro-hydrocarbon policies despite her climate change expertise. Many of AMLO’s initiatives, encapsulated under the Cuarta Transformacion (Fourth Transformation or 4T), leveraged social programs to catalyze poverty reduction. Notably, over five million individuals ascended from poverty between 2018 and 2022, attributed in part to a rise in the national minimum wage. Estefania Vela, director at Intersecta, recognized that marginalized individuals gained visibility and improved circumstances during AMLO’s government, remarking, “They are not only symbolic achievements, but also material changes in the daily lives of millions of people.” While recent statistics underline a decrease in poverty, the country faced alarming increases in extreme poverty, with millions lacking proper access to health and educational services. Marlene Solis from COLEF noted the significance of the social movement behind AMLO’s rise, stating, “It’s not just him, but many people behind this project that has been in the works for at least 30 years.” Sheinbaum has thus committed to perpetuating AMLO’s policies, including constitutional changes that bolster the governing party’s control and have met with criticism for their implications on civil liberties. The legitimacy of proposed reforms, such as changing the election process for judges and empowering the military within national security operations, has drawn scrutiny from various sectors, stirring protests that reflect broader public discontent. As she manages expectations for continuity with transformation, Sheinbaum is anticipated to tackle issues crucial to working-class women, a demographic that encountered inadequate government support against gender-based violence during AMLO’s administration. The establishment of a “National Care System” is promised, potentially fostering women’s development and alleviating their substantial unpaid caregiving responsibilities. Despite the promise of governance for all, concerns over systemic violence and organized crime continue to loom. In the context of AMLO’s administration, Martin Villalobos highlighted the contradictions facing the government, stating that originally promising initiatives faced regression. Additionally, calls for national dialogues regarding the plight of families affected by disappearances illustrate the complex challenges Sheinbaum will need to confront without escalating tensions. In her nascent presidency, she is presented with an opportunity to build bridges with previously marginalized groups and to establish a more inclusive narrative, a departure from AMLO’s often combative engagements.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidency marks a significant moment in Mexico’s political narrative, being the first woman to hold the office while inheriting the complex legacy of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Her ascension comes during a period marked by notable social advancements in reducing poverty yet accompanied by persistent challenges such as increased extreme poverty and lapses in access to essential services. As she intends to continue the transformative policies under AMLO’s Cuarta Transformacion, Sheinbaum faces scrutiny regarding controversial constitutional reforms and their implications for governance and social equity in Mexico, particularly concerning marginalized communities, including women.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidency represents a continuation of AMLO’s policies aimed at reducing poverty and social inequality, yet she faces significant challenges, including rising extreme poverty rates and the potential repercussions of constitutional reforms on civil liberties. Her approach will be pivotal in addressing issues related to gender violence and providing equitable governance, aiming to foster a more inclusive society while maintaining political stability amidst organized crime and violence. Future decisions will reveal whether her governorship can transcend the criticisms faced by her predecessor and truly enact transformative changes for vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com