Claudia Sheinbaum: Mexico's President-Elect and Her Journey to the Top
Happy belated Father’s Day to all hard-working, loving fathers among you.
It has been a while. Much longer than I wanted. And there has been so much to write about, but it has been a busy time with my other projects. That said, I remain committed to keep writing here.
Mexico has a hold of a small corner of my soul, and I wanted to learn more about the Jewish female Mexican president-elect. So, here is a bit of what I found out. There will be more.
On June 2, 2024, Mexicans elected their first-ever female president, a feat neither of Mexico’s North American partners has achieved.1 Her name is Claudia Sheinbaum. She will begin her 6-year term on October 1, 2024.
Sheinbaum, born on June 24, 1962, in Mexico City, is the product of a family deeply rooted in academe. Her father, Carlos Sheinbaum, a chemical engineer, and her mother, Annie Pardo, a biologist, instilled a solid intellectual and activist culture in her. Sheinbaum's siblings, her older brother Julio, a physicist, and her younger sister Adriana, a teacher in the United States, further enriched her upbringing.
The Sheinbaum family's rich heritage traces back to Eastern Europe. Claudia Sheinbaum's paternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and Bulgaria who sought refuge in Mexico during the early 20th century. This migration was part of a significant wave of Jewish families fleeing persecution and seeking better opportunities in the Americas. Sheinbaum's unique background will make her the first Mexican president of Jewish origin in the predominantly Roman Catholic country.
Claudia's early years were steeped in a family deeply entrenched in academia. Claudia's parents' robust intellectual and activist culture, particularly her mother's active participation in leftist academic circles and the 1968 student protests in Mexico shaped her perspective. It ignited her fervour for leftist activism and environmental zeal. This familial influence and her innate curiosity and drive laid the foundation for Claudia Sheinbaum's future as a prominent figure in Mexican politics.
Even in her youth, Sheinbaum's path was illuminated by her love for science and social issues, foreshadowing her future career that would harmonize both these passions. She attended public schools in Mexico City, where she was renowned for her academic prowess and early forays into student activism—these formative years laid the foundation for her later triumphs in her academic and political life. She has since published numerous scholarly papers on energy, environment, and sustainable development.
Claudia Sheinbaum's academic journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment, relentless determination, and strong ideological leanings. Her time at UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) was marked by a steadfast focus on environmental sustainability, a cause that earned her numerous accolades. Sheinbaum's thirst for knowledge led her to pursue physics at UNAM, culminating in her bachelor's degree in 1989. She then earned a master's degree in energy engineering in 1994 and a Ph.D. in the same field in 1995, a remarkable achievement in such a short time. Her doctoral research was conducted at the prestigious Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. Sheinbaum's extensive research and publications, including over 100 articles (mostly co-authored) and two books on energy, the environment, and sustainable development, are a testament to her intellectual prowess and unwavering dedication to her chosen field, making her a respected authority in environmental sustainability.
One dubious achievement was the “shared” 2007 Nobel Peace Prize as part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) team. She “shared” that one with Al Gore and Michael Mann. The authority of the IPCC has been challenged and tarnished year after year for allegations of collusion and even fraudulent data in their reports.
Sheinbaum was an exemplary student and contributed significantly to academe through her publications. Her works primarily focus on sustainable development, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation. These contributions have been pivotal in influencing the discourse on environmental policies in Mexico.2
Beyond her doctorate, Sheinbaum's academic standing is further reinforced by her tenure as a researcher and professor at UNAM.
Sheinbaum married Carlos Imaz, a fellow politician, and they have one daughter, Mariana. Imaz Gispert is known for his involvement in left-wing politics and tenure as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Federal District. Their relationship was personal and professional, as they shared similar political ideologies and worked together on various projects. However, their marriage eventually ended in divorce. Sheinbaum is now married to Jesús María Tarriba Unger, another fellow academic. They married in a civil ceremony in 2023.
Tarriba Unger is an accomplished individual. He and the president-elect were schoolmates as undergraduate students in Physics. He now works building risk evaluation models for the Bank of Mexico. Tarriba and Scheinbaum were once university sweethearts in the 1980s.
Mariana Imaz Sheinbaum has followed in her parents' footsteps to some extent, showing a keen interest in social issues and academe. She has pursued higher education and has been involved in various academic and social initiatives, reflecting the intellectual and political environment in which she was raised.
Claudia Sheinbaum began her political career as an advisor to the Secretary of the Environment in Mexico City from 2000 to 2006. under Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). She played a significant role in developing Mexico City's bus rapid transit system and constructing a major beltway. After a brief return to academe following Andrés Manuel López Obrador's (AMLO) failed first presidential bid, she re-entered politics, eventually becoming the mayor of Mexico City. She is a member of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party. She began her political journey with the Partido de la Revolución Democrática (PRD), but her significant political evolution came after she joined MORENA, a party founded by López Obrador in 2014. Sheinbaum's collaboration with AMLO and alignment with his anti-neoliberal project turned a new chapter in her career.
In 2015, she took on a crucial role as the mayor of Tlalpan, one of Mexico City's 16 boroughs, where she honed her governance and public policy skills. She reached a notable milestone in 2018 when she was elected as the mayor of Mexico City, serving until 2023. Her tenure was marked by tackling urban challenges, environmental concerns, and security issues with a data-driven approach, emphasizing sustainability and scientific solutions. Her political career has had a few bumps, which she seems to have conquered:
From 2015 until 2017, she served as the mayor of Tlalpan, Mexico City’s largest borough, during which she faced staunch criticism for the collapse of a school, Colegio Rebsamen, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including 19 minors, following the September 19, 2017 earthquake. Critics argue that poor infrastructure, fueled by corruption and insufficient permitting, of apartments on top of the elementary school substantially weakened the building’s structure, ultimately causing its collapse. […]
Sheinbaum’s tenure as mayor of Mexico City was marked by difficult circumstances, namely addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as insecurity challenges, gender-based violence, and high inflation. The collapse of Line 12 of Mexico City’s metro, which resulted in the death of 26 people and injured 98 others, will be part of Sheinbaum’s legacy.
One of her landmark achievements was her involvement in the Movimiento en Defensa del Petróleo (Oil Defense Movement), where she opposed former president Felipe Calderón's attempt to privatize Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos). This highlighted her commitment to nationalist sovereignty over natural resources.
Her ascent within MORENA was rapid, becoming a key player and a part of the 'pure ones,' a faction deeply aligned with López Obrador's vision. In a momentous turn, Sheinbaum was declared the party's candidate on September 6, 2023, paving the way for her historic election as Mexico's first female president.
Her political ideology leans toward leftist progressive policies. Claudia Sheinbaum's political worldview is rooted in what would be considered pillars of woke ideology: social justice, climate zeal, and gender equality. She has consistently advocated for policies that “need” more government intervention. She shows a desire to help the poor in her country. This perspective is evident in her support for social programs that provide financial assistance, healthcare, and education to low-income families.
Environmentalism is another cornerstone of Sheinbaum's political ideology. With a background in environmental engineering, she has been a vocal advocate for policies that address climate change and supposedly promote sustainable urban development. During her tenure as the head of government in Mexico City, she implemented various staple green initiatives, including expanding public transportation and promoting renewable energy sources. Many of these policies have proven to be virtue-signalling distractions from the imperatives of governing.
Sheinbaum's approach to governance is characterized by a commitment to transparency and accountability. Who is not? She has championed using technology and open data to make government operations more transparent and engage citizens in decision-making. This commitment to transparency aims to combat corruption and build public trust in government institutions. This is a staple program for most Mexican politicians.
Fighting poverty conditions is a key aspect of Sheinbaum's political vision. She supports policies that promote economic growth while ensuring that the benefits are widely shared across society. This includes advocating for labour rights, fair wages, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. She believes economic policies should be designed to lift people from poverty and create opportunities for all. These policies are often at odds with environmentalist activism.
Sheinbaum is also a strong proponent of gender equality and women's rights. She has worked to address issues such as gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and access to reproductive healthcare. Her policies aim to create equal opportunities and are free from violence and discrimination against women in a society where such opportunities don’t come easy.
Regarding foreign policy, Sheinbaum favours a multilateral (globalist) approach and seeks to strengthen Mexico's relationships with other countries through diplomacy and cooperation. She supports international climate change, human rights, and trade agreements, believing global challenges require collaborative solutions. Her foreign policy stance is aligned with her broader commitment to “social justice” and “sustainability.”
Sheinbaum's presidential campaign focused on social justice, environmental sustainability, and anti-corruption measures. Her campaign platform was built on several standout promises:
• Addressing Inequality: Sheinbaum pledged to bridge the gap in access to essential services, with a particular focus on public transportation and water supply, ensuring equitable distribution across all communities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Leveraging her background in environmental science, she strongly advocated for renewable energy while balancing it with an increased reliance on state-owned fossil fuel power plants. This pragmatic approach aimed at both sustainability and energy security.
• Anti-Corruption Measures: Determined to combat corruption, Sheinbaum assured voters that her administration would uphold transparency and accountability within all levels of government.
• Economic Growth and Investor-Friendly Policies: She committed to creating a favorable environment for investment, fostering economic development, and generating employment opportunities, signaling a progressive economic vision that caters to both social welfare and market interests.
• Improving Security: Recognizing the heightened security challenges, she promised comprehensive strategies to enhance public safety and combat organized crime, presenting a robust law enforcement framework.
Sheinbaum's platform reflects her political understanding of Mexico's challenges and her desire to address them.
As Claudia Sheinbaum steps into her new role as Mexico’s president, many wonder whether she can deliver on her promises. Optimism surrounds her tenure, notably due to her proven track record as the mayor of Mexico City. Her management of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the successful vaccination response, earned her praise and bolstered public trust. But as the COVID regime is slowly stripped of its legitimacy now that the reams of lies and manipulations are being uncovered week to week, that could change.
Sheinbaum's pledge to bring justice, equality, fraternity, and peace resonates well with her electorate. It would be hard for those things not to resonate with the poor and the vulnerable and with the more optimistic and ideological population segment. Mexicans, like most Latin Americans, are constantly waiting for a saviour that will deliver them of the layers of injustices accumulated over the centuries.
Her alignment with social feminism and admiration for figures like Angela Davis may reflect a strong commitment to addressing social inequalities. Moreover, her background in physics and engineering, intertwined with an understanding of socio-political dynamics, positions her as a leader capable of innovative problem-solving.
However, running a country as complex as Mexico is more difficult than running a science lab or even a city as large as Mexico City. Challenges lie ahead. Critics argue that shifting political landscapes in Latin America—marked by a battle between populist authoritarians and conservatives—could complicate her populist left-wing vision. Market-oriented analysts express concerns about the sustainability of her plans, considering the intricate economic and social issues Mexico faces.
Scheinbaum is her own person, but she is closely associated with Lopez-Obrador, whose record is spotty at best. A significant critique of AMLO is his efforts to undermine democratic institutions. His administration targeted independent public agencies such as the National Electoral Institute (INE) and the Antitrust Commission (COFECE), reducing budgets and limiting operational capacities. This has raised alarms about the erosion of checks and balances within the Mexican government (Council on Foreign Relations) (Brookings).
Additionally, AMLO's tenure has been marked by attempts to consolidate power, often at the expense of legal norms and transparency. His administration has been accused of weaponizing the judicial system against critics and opposition figures, which includes launching politicized investigations and prosecutions. Furthermore, AMLO has been criticized for circumventing environmental regulations in his signature infrastructure projects, such as the Dos Bocas oil refinery and the Tren Maya railroad (Council on Foreign Relations).
Conservative voices also highlight the broader implications of AMLO's governance style, suggesting that it could steer Mexico toward a more authoritarian regime. His frequent attacks on journalists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups underscore a broader trend of suppressing dissent and limiting freedom of expression. This has contributed to concerns about Mexico's democratic backsliding under AMLO's leadership (Brookings) (Wilson Center).
In summary, conservative analysts are concerned about AMLO's disregard for democratic institutions, his centralization of power, and the potential long-term consequences for Mexico's political and civil liberties (Council on Foreign Relations) (Brookings) (Wilson Center) (AMAC).
Observers question Scheinbaum’s ability to maintain public security and economic stability under these circumstances. For Sheinbaum, fulfilling her promises will also require navigating a tightrope of expectations, political opposition, and unforeseeable global developments. While her credentials and past achievements offer a solid foundation, her presidency will ultimately be judged by her ability to translate promises into tangible results.
One last observation is in order. Mexico and Argentina are strong cultural and political poles in Latin America. Mexico has chosen to continue on the left-leaning path AMLO began. At the same time, Argentina has broken away from that model and has given itself a strong social and economic libertarian government. It will be interesting to see where both states end up in the next 5-10 years.
Kim Campbell became Canada's PM in 1993 as a placeholder. Her party was crushed in the following election under her leadership.
Sheinbaum's contributions to environmental science, particularly on climate change and energy efficiency. These are some of her most notable and frequently cited publications:
"Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Actions in Mexico City" - This paper significantly shaped urban environmental policies. It’s one of her most frequently quoted works, underscoring the need for sustainable urban development.
• "Energy Efficiency and Environmental Policy in Developing Countries: The Case of Mexico" - A comprehensive examination of energy policies in Mexico, outlining strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.
• "Sustainable Development and Climate Change: Policy Perspectives for Mexico" - This publication explores the intersection of sustainable development and climate action, providing a framework for policy implementation.
• "Urban Challenges: Making Cities Livable While Addressing Climate Change" - A critical analysis of urban areas' challenges in climate change, emphasizing actionable solutions for policymakers.