Mexico’s First Woman President is Rock Steady

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s ascent from academia to the National Palace is anything but flash-in-the-pan.

When Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo assumes high office as President of Mexico on October 1, she will be the first woman to take on the role.

She was elected in June, her ascent reflecting Mexico’s changing political, environmental and social terrain. Sheinbaum, a scientist, environmentalist and senior political figure, has crossed the gap between academia and public administration. She’s expected to bring a data-driven, technocratic approach to bear on her nation’s challenges.

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was born in Mexico City on June 24, 1962. The sprawling metropolis has acted as both backdrop and stage for much of her life. She grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment. Her father, Carlos Sheinbaum Yoselevitz, was an engineer; her mother, Annie Pardo Cemo, a biologist. The household atmosphere, rich in scientific and technical discourse, had a great impact on the young Sheinbaum.

Her Jewish upbringing also helped shape her world views. While not overtly religious, her family’s cultural and ethical ideals instilled in her a sense of social responsibility and a dedication to justice. Those principles serve as the foundation for her political philosophy.

Sheinbaum attended the prestigious National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), which has produced many of the country’s intellectual and political luminaries. She chose to study physics — an unusual decision at the time for a woman in Mexico, but one that underscored her academic drive and fascination with science.

Bridging Science and Public Policy

Sheinbaum went on to earn a Master’s and a PhD in Energy Engineering. Her focus was on energy efficiency and sustainable technology, both of which were receiving global attention as climate change and environmental degradation became prominent.

Sheinbaum’s academic work was distinguished by an emphasis on the practical implications of her study. She wasn’t satisfied with the theoretical limits of academia; she aimed to apply her findings to real-world situations.

This prompted her to work with international organisations, most notably the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Her contributions were recognised when the team she was part of (along with Al Gore) received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

Throughout her academic career, Sheinbaum focused on subjects that were scientifically and socially meaningful. For her, renewable energy and energy conservation were inextricably linked to the larger issues of social fairness and environmental justice: the keys to her political platform.

Environmental Advocacy

Sheinbaum’s move from academia to public service was motivated by her awareness that science-led policy was needed to combat Mexico’s environmental issues. In the late 1990s, she became more involved in advocacy, arguing for laws to tackle the country’s dismal air quality and encourage sustainable urban development.

Sitting president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexico City’s mayor at the time, quickly became aware of her expertise in the energy and environmental fields. In 2000, AMLO, as López Obrador is commonly known, selected her to be Mexico City’s Secretary of the Environment. She oversaw some ambitious projects, including the expansion of eco-friendly transport.

The rapid-transit Metrobus system provided an efficient and sustainable alternative to the outdated public transport infrastructure of the day. It served as a model for other cities, in Mexico and abroad. Its success highlighted Sheinbaum’s ability to turn science into meaningful public policy — and established her as an innovative leader.

She incorporated her dedication to social equity in her role as Secretary of the Environment, aware that disadvantaged people often suffer most from environmental problems. Her programmes addressed social disparity as well as environmental outcomes. This was consistent with López Obrador’s own emphasis on social justice and inclusion.

Political Ascent

Sheinbaum’s political career took off. In 2015, she was elected Head of Government for Tlalpan, Mexico City’s largest borough. Over 80 percent of Tlalpan is under conservation as an ecologically sensitive area; the northern edge has been urban since the mid-20th Century. The post allowed her to hone her leadership skills and implement initiatives at a local level.

During her time in Tlalpan, Sheinbaum prioritised public safety, education, and urban development. She was committed to transparency and accountability in local government, and implemented measures to combat corruption and improve public service delivery. Her tenure was not without its obstacles, including the aftermath of the 2017 earthquake in Puebla, to the south of Mexico City. Her handling of that crisis, providing immediate relief as well as long-term recovery plans, was widely praised, although some criticised it.

Sheinbaum hit a new high in 2018 when she was elected mayor of Mexico City — another first for a woman. Her election was viewed as a huge success for López Obrador’s National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party, with which she has been closely associated throughout her political career.

Being mayor of Mexico City is a daunting task; it’s one of the world’s largest and most complex metropolises. With a population of more than nine million, it battles severe air pollution and traffic congestion, crime, and glaring social disparities. Sheinbaum took the role in her stride, remaining true to her values of sustainability and social justice. She campaigned for policies addressing social inequality, education, and healthcare access in the city’s poorest neighbourhoods.

She adopted a comprehensive plan to lower the carbon footprint of the city and improve its air quality. The strategy included improvements to public transit, the enhanced use of renewable energy, and the promotion of energy efficiency in buildings and industries.

Tricky Balancing Act

Claudia Sheinbaum’s leadership style is generally described as technocratic, reflecting her scientific background and inclination to data-driven decision-making. This emphasis on evidence-based policymaking and dedication to transparency has earned her accolades — and created some tension in a highly charged political atmosphere. Navigating this required political acumen as well as technical competence.

Sheinbaum has had to strike compromises to form coalitions and manage sometimes conflicting demands. This balancing act has been most visible in her handling of problems of public safety, reconciling the need for strict law enforcement with concerns about human rights and social fairness.

Her close relationship with López Obrador, affectionately known as AMLO, has influenced her career. Their shared commitment to social fairness and environmental issues has been a source of strength — and a target for attack from the opposition. Sheinbaum has distinguished herself by maintaining her principles and leadership identity.

Challenges and Criticism

Claudia Sheinbaum, like any leader, has seen her share of trials and tribulations. She was criticised for her handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, which hit the city hard. As mayor, she was in charge of co-ordinating a reaction, managing healthcare resources and assisting economic recovery efforts. Lockdowns were part of the strategy, and had a negative economic impact, particularly on small enterprises and informal workers.

Sheinbaum’s approach was seen as aggressive, especially in the early stages of the crisis. The lockdowns were unpopular, and balancing public health concerns with the need to sustain the economy was a sensitive undertaking. Sheinbaum’s decisions came in for some close scrutiny.

Another bone of contention has been public security. Mexico City has high rates of crime and violence, and Sheinbaum increased police presence and enhanced communication across levels of law enforcement — but progress has been slow. Critics say her administration failed to address the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunities. Others advocate for yet more muscular law enforcement measures.

Looking Ahead

Claudia Sheinbaum’s legacy has begun to take shape. Her approach to sustainability, social justice, the environment and governance reveals a leader who prioritises long-term, systemic change. Her scientific background, technocratic approach and dedication to social equality are consistent aspects of her political identity. Sheinbaum’s ability to govern while remaining focused on evidence-based decision-making is a virtue in a world in which sustainability, social inequality and economic progress are increasingly linked.

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s path has been one of consistent advance, from the lecture halls of UNAM to the mayor’s office and now the National Palace. Her career exemplifies the emerging trend of incorporating scientific expertise into politics. Her story is one of resilience, inventiveness, and dedication to taking on the most serious issues of our time.

Her work at the helm of the country will be an intriguing intersection of science, policy, and governance — and the world will watch with interest.

Read more here from the CFI.co Summer 2024 Issue.