Introduction and Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current head of government in Mexico City, has shown significant progress during her first year in office. Her administration has tackled contraband issues and promoted “Hecho en México” (Made in Mexico) products, while also reducing poverty and unemployment rates.
Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?
Claudia Sheinbaum is a Mexican politician and scientist who served as the Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development under former Mexico City mayor Marcelo Ebrard. In 2018, she was elected as the first female Head of Government (similar to a mayor) for Mexico City, succeeding Ebrard. As the head of the city government, she has focused on environmental sustainability, social programs, and economic development.
Business Sector’s Recognition of Progress
Octavio de la Torre, president of Concanaco Servytur (the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Small Businesses of Mexico), acknowledged the progress made by Sheinbaum’s administration in its first year. He emphasized that businesses must transform macroeconomic results into daily opportunities for family-owned enterprises.
- Positive Indicators: Reduction in poverty and unemployment rates are seen as positive signs.
- Remaining Challenges: The business sector aims to close the gap in informal businesses.
Concanaco Servytur has maintained close collaboration with the Secretariats of Hacienda, Energy, and Foreign Relations to propose simplifying procedures, reducing compliance costs, protecting fair competition against contraband, and ensuring affordable and competitive energy for businesses.
Sheinbaum has demonstrated openness to business dialogue through the Plan México, the Advisory Council, and mixed investment schemes. These actions reflect increased private sector participation in strategic sectors like energy.
Judicial Reform Concerns
Despite the business sector’s recognition of progress, there are concerns regarding judicial reforms. The overrepresentation of political interests has led to the approval of constitutional reforms without thorough consensus and analysis.
Case Study: Judicial Reform
The recent judicial reform resulted in the first election of judges, magistrates, and female judges, which exposed significant structural deficiencies.
- Low Voter Turnout: Only 13% of the electoral roll participated in the voting process.
- Invalid Ballots: Over 16% of the ballots were voided, lost, or unaccounted for.
These figures indicate low citizen participation and serious flaws in the organization of the electoral process.
U.S.-Mexico Business Relations
The American Society of Mexico (AmSoc), representing the U.S. community in Mexico, acknowledged Sheinbaum’s progress in her first government report and highlighted the strengthening relationship between Mexico and the United States.
- U.S. Perspective: AmSoc values the Mexican government’s commitment to building a more equitable, competitive, and forward-looking Mexico.
- Policy Consolidation: The organization recognizes the consolidation of public policies aimed at bolstering Mexico’s economy.
