Claudia Sheinbaum faces significant challenges as she steps into the Mexican presidency following her landslide victory. Sheinbaum, a close ally of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), won by approximately 30 percentage points over her nearest rival, Xóchitl Gálvez of the center-right. Her victory is credited to her promises of continuing AMLO's policies of social justice and wealth redistribution, which have benefited poorer Mexicans despite limited economic growth.
Sheinbaum inherits a national budget gap nearing 6% of GDP and has pledged to expand spending on health, education, and welfare. This financial challenge is compounded by the need to sustain AMLO's welfare programs, which included doubling the minimum wage.
Her Morena party, along with allies PT and PVEM, is poised to secure a significant majority in Congress, potentially enabling constitutional changes. These proposed reforms include direct elections for Supreme Court justices and changes to state pensions.
Despite the mandate, Sheinbaum faces various issues, including high crime rates and increased control by criminal gangs. Additionally, maintaining a stable relationship with the US, particularly if Donald Trump wins the Presidency again, will be crucial, considering his stances on tariffs and immigration.
With broader political support than AMLO, Claudia Sheinbaum's tenure will be watched closely to determine how she manages economic constraints, social programs, and potential constitutional changes without tipping into authoritative governance.