The Top Priorities for Mexico's New President

In the nascent light of Monday, June 3rd, Mexico woke to an unprecedented political certainty: a woman, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, had been chosen to lead the nation. Her victory was not a close contest; Mexican men and women awarded her a resounding 30-point advantage over her competitor. This historical moment raises many questions.

What unique skills, talents, and experiences does she bring to her presidency? What immediate challenges will she confront? Will Mexican women find a special ally in her administration? To illuminate these questions, we turn to Congresswoman Karla Yuritzi Almazán Burgos, a member of Morena, with a distinguished background in International Relations and Political Science, and the vice president of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Deputies.

"More than a difference, this is an enormous achievement," begins Almazán, her voice imbued with a sense of historical significance. "It took 214 years of independent life, and 143 years for women to elect our leaders and participate as candidates in electoral processes."

The strides made in the past six years have been monumental, she notes. Full parity in Congress has been achieved, and now, a woman leads the charge for leftist ideals. "As Rosa Luxemburg said, a feminist without leftist leanings lacks strategy, and a leftist without feminism lacks depth. Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum embodies both strategy and depth, advocating for the rights of those long marginalized."

Almazán invokes the spirit of Luxembourg, emphasizing that merely having a woman in power is not enough to advance women's rights. "Right-wing feminism have never truly expanded our rights. We need a woman committed to the broader implications of 'for the good of all, first the poor,' ensuring access to basic rights for a dignified life."

The presidency demands a high caliber of leadership, shaped by an increasingly globalized society, a complex relationship with the United States, and the unique characteristics of Mexico. Dr. Sheinbaum's tenure as Head of Government demonstrated her capability, especially in critical areas like security, education, and health.

"Claudia Sheinbaum's academic background will enable her to merge academic rigor with social advocacy," Almazán asserts. "We must remember her role in the student movement of 1986 and 1987, defending the free public university against privatization."

Without discrediting other presidential hopefuls, Almazán finds Sheinbaum's profile uniquely suited to the country's challenges. "She frames these challenges within humanistic margins, viewing the human being as an end, not a means."

Immediate Challenges

Sheinbaum faces several immediate challenges, the most pressing being the consolidation of the national health system. The foundations laid during the last administration through IMSS welfare aim to unify the health system with universal coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the precariousness of health systems, but Almazán is confident in Sheinbaum's ability to provide a dignified and functional health system.

Security is another critical area. Under Sheinbaum's administration as Head of Government, high-impact crimes and homicides decreased significantly. This success was due to a multifaceted approach to violence and insecurity, emphasizing not just crime prosecution but also prevention. Initiatives included creating spaces for youth to develop professionally, artistically, and culturally, alongside establishing new high schools and universities.

Recognizing that no single person can address these challenges alone, Sheinbaum has assembled a team of scientists and experts in education and health. Their goal is to replicate successful policies from Mexico City on a federal scale.

Will Claudia Sheinbaum champion the demands of women? Almazán has no doubt. "Women will find shelter in Dr. Claudia's government. Her openness to dialogue across various societal sectors, especially women, is evident. She understands what it means to be part of social movements, advocating for rights to ensure a dignified life for all Mexicans."

In Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Mexico finds not just its first female president but a leader who blends academic prowess with a profound commitment to social justice. Her presidency symbolizes a new era, one where the ideals of the left and the rights of the marginalized are brought to the forefront of national policy. As the country sets out on this path, the legacy of women like Karla Yuritzi Almazán and the vision of leaders like Sheinbaum offer a spirit of hope and progress.

In-text Citation: (Bahena, 2024, pp. 12-13)