Mexican President
Claudia Sheinbaum has significant strength, reflected in her high approval ratings (over 70%) and her leadership style, which is viewed as stable, serious, and technocratic. Her power is also rooted in her ability to manage national interests, expand social programs, and navigate foreign policy, although her administration has faced criticism regarding corruption.
Sources of strength
- High public approval: Sheinbaum consistently maintains approval ratings above 70%, a level of support that outpaces many other world leaders and even surpasses her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, at a similar point in his presidency.
- Technocratic and stable leadership: Her background as a physicist and former Head of Government of Mexico City contributes to a public perception of discipline, expertise, and seriousness.
- Expansion of social programs: She has expanded social welfare programs for seniors, students, and other vulnerable groups, which is a key driver of her popularity.
- Firm foreign policy stance: She has taken a firm but measured approach to international relations, particularly with the United States, which has been praised for defending national interests.
- Historical significance: As Mexico’s first female president, her position carries significant symbolic weight and mobilizes support, especially among women and youth.
- Successful reform and policy initiatives: She has overseen the passage of major constitutional reforms and a significant drop in homicides, a notable achievement for a country grappling with violence.
Weaknesses and criticisms
- Corruption concerns: Despite her high approval, a significant majority of the public gives her government a negative rating for its handling of corruption, and corruption scandals within her ruling party have fueled public discontent.
- Insecurity: While homicides have decreased, a large portion of the public remains dissatisfied with the government’s overall response to the issue of insecurity.
Mexico
‘s current president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, holds a position of significant political strength, supported by high public approval ratings and a legislative majority for her party, Morena.
Political Strength
High Approval Ratings: Since taking office in October 2024, President Sheinbaum has maintained a high public approval rating, hovering around 70%, which is a sharp contrast to some of her international counterparts.
Legislative Control: Her ruling Morena party and its allies hold significant majorities in the national Congress and govern over 24 of Mexico’s 32 states. This widespread political power allows her administration to pass constitutional reforms and implement its agenda with substantial scope.
Continuation of a Popular Legacy: Sheinbaum was elected with around 60% of the vote, partly due to her promise to continue the popular social support programs and “Fourth Transformation” policies of her predecessor and mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO).
Key Areas of Focus and Perception
Economic Management: Sheinbaum’s administration emphasizes the “strength of the Mexican economy,” highlighting record foreign direct investment and expected economic growth, while continuing a model focused on “shared prosperity” and “republican austerity”.
International Relations: Analysts have praised her “cool-headed approach” to foreign policy, particularly in handling relations with the United States and President Donald Trump, prioritizing dialogue and mutual understanding over conflict.
Challenges: Despite her popularity and political capital, Sheinbaum faces ongoing challenges, including addressing security issues related to organized crime and managing the economy amidst concerns from some analysts about growth forecasts and public debt.
Governance Style: Known for her background as a physicist and academic, she is perceived as having a technocratic and methodical approach to governance, fostering dialogue with businesses and focusing on public-private partnerships in areas like renewable energy.
