Claudia Sheinbaum made history on Tuesday as Mexico’s first female president, marking a watershed moment in the country’s 200-year modern history. As she received the presidential sash, cheers of “Presidenta!” filled the congressional chamber, and she triumphantly raised her fist.

In her inaugural speech, Sheinbaum thanked her mentor and predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, calling him “the most important political leader and social warrior in Mexico’s modern history.” López Obrador leaves office with immense popularity, and Sheinbaum acknowledged the challenge of filling his shoes. However, she declared, “It is time for women. Women have arrived to shape the destiny of our beautiful nation”.

Sheinbaum outlined her agenda, building on López Obrador’s vision for Mexico. She highlighted achievements from the past six years, including:

– Poverty Reduction: 9.5 million Mexicans lifted out of poverty
– Unemployment: Reduced unemployment rates
– Well-being: Improved overall well-being
– Minimum Wage: Repeated increases without inflation

Sheinbaum promised to:

– Consolidate Healthcare: Develop a high-quality, free public healthcare system
– Expand Education: Create 300,000 new places in public high schools and universities
– Prioritize Rights: Ensure health and education are rights, not privileges

Challenges ahead include the raging drug war, particularly in Sinaloa and Chiapas. Critics question whether Sheinbaum’s security strategies in Mexico City can be applied nationally. López Obrador’s legacy will undoubtedly influence her presidency, but Sheinbaum is determined to succeed. “I’m a mother, grandmother, scientist, a woman of faith, and now, president!” she exclaimed.

With millions of Mexicans supporting her, Sheinbaum vowed, “I won’t let you down.” Her journey from student activist to president is just beginning, and the world watches with anticipation.