Claudia Sheinbaum Leads Mexico’s Bold Fourth Transformation

In the historic chambers of the Mexican Congress, a quiet sense of anticipation filled the air on October 1, 2024, as Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo took her oath as the first woman to serve as the Constitutional President of Mexico. This moment, marked by a profound recognition of the weight of the occasion, symbolized not just a personal milestone for Sheinbaum, but a turning point for the nation. With her inauguration, the Second Stage of the Fourth Transformation of Public Life in Mexico began—an era that promises to reshape the country’s future under the leadership of women and the principles of Mexican Humanism.

Sheinbaum's words echoed throughout the hall: "Today, after 200 years of the Republic and 300 years of the Colony... for the first time, women come to lead the destiny of our beautiful nation." Her statement was not just a declaration of political victory, but an acknowledgment of the countless women who, across centuries, have fought, dreamed, and toiled in silence for this very moment.

The inauguration was a collective triumph. Sheinbaum, in her speech, was clear: "I say we came, because I am not alone, we all came." The 'we' she referred to was not merely the women in her administration, but a tribute to all women—those celebrated in history as heroines, and those unnamed, the mothers, grandmothers, workers, and warriors in their homes who had dared to dream of equality and opportunity. These women, long oppressed by a system that defined them by their gender, now stand at the forefront of Mexico's governance, turning centuries of patriarchy on its head.

At the heart of Sheinbaum’s presidency lies the continuation of the Fourth Transformation (4T), a political movement initiated by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), aimed at drastically reforming Mexican public life. Much like the Mexican Revolution or the establishment of the Constitution in 1917, the 4T is viewed as a historical revolution, one that seeks to eradicate corruption, reduce inequality, and restore dignity to the working class.

Under Sheinbaum’s leadership, however, the Fourth Transformation is taking on new dimensions. The “Second Stage” she envisions will build on AMLO’s successes while carving a distinctly feminist path forward. Sheinbaum’s presidency promises to foster an inclusive and equitable Mexico through the lens of Mexican Humanism, a guiding philosophy that emphasizes empathy, collective well-being, and human dignity. Sheinbaum made it clear: “I will govern for everyone... I will put my knowledge, my strength, my history, and my life itself at the service of the people and the country.”

Governing with the Legacy of AMLO

Sheinbaum did not shy away from acknowledging the towering legacy of her predecessor. Her admiration for AMLO was evident, as she described him as "one of the greats... the most beloved president, only comparable to Lázaro Cárdenas." AMLO, who governed with an unyielding commitment to social justice and the redistribution of wealth, laid the foundation for the 4T’s transformation of public life. His hallmark programs, including universal pensions for senior citizens, the Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro initiative, and the expansion of public education, have been deeply embedded in Mexico’s social fabric.

Sheinbaum’s vow to continue these initiatives speaks to her commitment to continuity, but with a nuanced difference. Her vision, inspired by AMLO’s social policies, is now intertwined with an agenda for gender equality, focusing on empowering women and marginalized communities.

As the first woman president in Mexican history, Sheinbaum has taken on the mantle of responsibility to champion gender equality in unprecedented ways. In her speech, she outlined key programs that will transform the lives of women across the country. One of her most significant announcements was the launch of support for women aged 60 to 64—a demographic often overlooked in welfare policies. Additionally, scholarships for students from preschool to high school and home medical consultations for senior citizens underscore her commitment to making education and healthcare more accessible.

But perhaps most groundbreaking is her promise to enshrine gender equality into the Mexican Constitution. On October 3, she will send a package of reforms to Congress, some of them constitutional, to enshrine the substantive equality of women and their right to a life free from violence. This is not merely a policy proposal; it is a bold statement that women’s rights are human rights, and they will be written into the nation’s highest laws.

Her establishment of the first Women’s Secretariat is also poised to create long-lasting change. By formalizing a government body dedicated to women's issues, Sheinbaum is ensuring that her legacy—and the work of generations of women—will persist beyond her tenure.

While Sheinbaum’s policies for women represent a significant shift, her broader vision for the country is equally ambitious. Mexican Humanism, as outlined in her address, represents the ethical backbone of her administration. This philosophy promotes shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, and fraternity without discrimination.

“We condemn classism, racism, machismo, and any form of discrimination,” Sheinbaum declared, acknowledging the painful divisions that have marred Mexican society for too long. The emphasis on fraternity—seeing each other as equals—signals an era where the government aims to heal rather than divide, to promote equality of opportunity rather than exacerbate existing inequalities.

To this end, Sheinbaum highlighted the expansion of Mexico's welfare programs, including the IMSS-Bienestar health system and the construction of 300,000 new university spaces. Her plans also include the construction of one million affordable homes for young people, the launch of Farmacias del Bienestar to provide free medicines, and a million-home deed program aimed at transforming urban areas. These initiatives are not only practical; they are imbued with a sense of moral duty, a recognition that a just society must care for its most vulnerable.

A Visionary Approach to Democracy and Justice

Under Sheinbaum’s leadership, Mexico will also see reforms to the Judicial Branch, ensuring greater autonomy and independence. Her introduction of a constitutional reform that mandates the election of judges and magistrates by popular vote represents a shift towards democratizing power structures that have long operated in opacity.

This approach—fostering more direct participation by the people—aligns with Sheinbaum’s desire for governance that is deeply embedded in the will of the public. She emphasized: "We are democrats. We want corruption in the Judicial Branch to end." This emphasis on democracy over authoritarianism signals a new era of governance, where transparency and accountability are prioritized.

Sheinbaum’s presidency is also poised to elevate Mexico’s cultural and scientific standing on the world stage. Under her government, the development of the Olinia electric vehicle and the launch of Mexico’s first satellite represent a leap towards technological sovereignty. In addition, her plans to eliminate the Comipems exam and create more high schools and universities will broaden access to education, fostering a new generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators.

Sheinbaum's focus on education, combined with her push to develop Mexico’s artistic infrastructure, demonstrates her belief that a nation thrives when its people are both intellectually and creatively nurtured.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s ascent to the presidency signals the dawn of a new Mexico—one built on the ideals of equality, justice, and human dignity. Her administration will carry forward the torch of the Fourth Transformation, but with a unique imprint: the voices of women will be at the helm, and Mexican Humanism will guide the nation’s path forward.

As Sheinbaum herself stated, "I will not let you down." In this era of transformation, those words carry the weight of history, the hopes of a nation, and the promise of a future where the people of Mexico can truly thrive.