“I'm a mother, a granddaughter, a scientist, and a woman of faith, and from today, by the will of the Mexican people, the President.”
These are the words from Mexico's first female President, Claudia Sheinbaum, as supporters gathered to witness the historic inauguration on Tuesday, October 1.
The 62-year-old did not arrive alone at the Mexico capital's main square, as she was with all the women of Mexico. In June, she won the elections in a landslide, making her the first woman to lead the nation. An impressive win for Mexico, with 65 male presidents since its independence.
A scientist by training, Sheinbaum also served as the former mayor of Mexico City. She took her oath of office on Tuesday and received her presidential sash in a ceremony held in Mexico's Congress.
The ceremony marked the beginning of her six-year term, succeeding her close ally and outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
“It's time for transformation, it's time for women,” Sheinbaum expressed.
Sheinbaum pledged to continue the reforms of the outgoing President. In her speech, she addressed investor concerns and maintained the daily oil production at 1.8 million barrels. She also offered to expand public healthcare and education, as well as reforms to battle gender violence and discrimination.
She will be presenting the first budget by November this year, leaving Mexicans in anticipation of the changes about to be made within the nation's economy.