Introduction
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, has maintained high popularity despite facing significant challenges such as drug cartel violence and tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. A year into her term, Sheinbaum enjoys a 71.6% approval rating according to the Mitofsky poll for El Economista, up 10.1 points from October 2024.
Demographic Support
Sheinbaum’s support is stronger among women (74.1%) and younger demographics, particularly those aged 18-29 (73%), compared to men (69%) and older individuals (72.6%). She also has more backing from people with lower educational attainment (74.6%) than those with university degrees (69.3%).
Public Admiration
Pedro Partida, a 69-year-old retired janitor, praises Sheinbaum for “restoring self-esteem” among women in a society still dominated by machismo. Sheinbaum herself has used social media to encourage young girls to aspire to leadership roles, stating, “In Mexico, no more ‘be quiet to be pretty.’ Girls now tell me they want to be like me, not just princesses but presidents.”
Political Acumen
Described as having a “political nose,” Sheinbaum approaches her role with scientific precision, basing decisions on data and facts. Her disciplined approach stems from her ballet training during childhood, which instilled a sense of structure and perseverance.
Navigating International Pressure
Sheinbaum has skillfully managed relations with the unpredictable Trump, earning global admiration but facing internal criticism for perceived hesitance on the international stage. Analyst Carlos Bravo attributes this to her cautious strategy, avoiding early stances on contentious issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to prevent complications.
Challenges at Home
Despite her successes, Sheinbaum faces substantial hurdles, including drug cartel violence and corruption. While homicides have decreased under her administration, forced disappearances have risen to 13,547 in her first eleven months, compared to 13,106 during the same period in 2024 and 10,315 in 2023.
Tackling Cartel Violence
Experts attribute the rise in disappearances to the difficulty of reversing her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s lenient policies towards criminals. Despite increased drug seizures, arrests, and intelligence operations against organized crime, the challenge remains significant.
Pressure from the U.S.
Trump’s demands for more action against drug cartels threaten tariffs in November, following a 90-day moratorium granted to Sheinbaum. Additionally, renegotiating the T-MEC trade agreement with Canada and the U.S. looms large, as 83% of Mexico’s exports go to the U.S., contributing nearly 33% to its GDP.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How popular is Claudia Sheinbaum a year into her presidency? A: Sheinbaum enjoys a 71.6% approval rating, according to the Mitofsky poll for El Economista.
- Q: Which demographics support Sheinbaum the most? A: Women (74.1%), younger demographics (18-29, 73%), and those with lower educational attainment (74.6%) show stronger support for Sheinbaum.
- Q: How has Sheinbaum navigated international pressure from Trump? A: Sheinbaum has maintained a cautious approach, avoiding early stances on contentious issues to prevent complications.
- Q: What challenges does Sheinbaum face domestically? A: Sheinbaum grapples with drug cartel violence and corruption, despite progress in reducing homicides.
- Q: How significant are Trump’s demands on cartel violence? A: Trump threatens tariffs in November if Sheinbaum does not deliver more results, while also pressing for renegotiation of the T-MEC trade agreement.
