Claudia Sheinbaum to be sworn in as Mexico's first female president in historic inauguration
NBCSep 23
Claudia Sheinbaum Sworn in as Mexico's First Female President
Above: Mexico's Pres. Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during her inauguration ceremony at the Saint Lazarus Legislative Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 Image copyright: Stephania Corpi/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in on Tuesday as Mexico's first female president in more than 200 years of independence, as well as the first president with Jewish heritage in the deeply Catholic country.
In her inauguration speech, the former mayor of Mexico City pledged to continue the social programs of her predecessor and mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and his push for greater control over key economic sectors.
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite accusations of having a male-dominated culture and negative biases against female leaders, Mexico has become the first North American country to elect a woman as head of state. This is a clear culmination of a gender parity framework that has been in place for decades in the Latin American country.
Narrative B
It's all too convenient to praise gender parity policies for this outcome when Sheinbaum is, in fact, just another female protégé appointed by a populist Latin American leader who can't run for re-election. Given that this story is reminiscent of Dilma Rousseff's rise in Brazil, one can only hope for better luck for Mexico.