On October 1, Mexico inaugurated its 66th (and first female) president, Claudia Sheinbaum. A scientist, Morena Party member, and mentee of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum has an esteemed resume.

Before rising to the highest office of the land, she worked as Tlalpan's mayor, the Environment of Mexico City's secretary, and as the Head of Government of Mexico City. Sheinbaum was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, with leaders from around the world traveling to attend the ceremony in person.

Only days into her presidency, many Mexicans and others across Latin America are eager to see what she'll do. During Sheinbaum's first address, she covered a series of impactful issues for the people of her country.

Speaking to congressional leaders

Sheinbaum kicked off her first speech as president by first acknowledging the service of López Obrador. Highlighting his widely popular six-year term, the new president of Mexico lauded her predecessor for earning "the greatest love" from his supporters.

Next, Sheinbaum spoke about women. Before stating women will shape Mexico's destiny moving forward, the scientist-turned-president declared that the time for women has finally arrived.

On social progress made in the country thus far, Sheinbaum credited "Mexican humanism." She drew attention to unemployment reductions and minimum wage increases before proclaiming 9.5 million citizens have been lifted from poverty.

Moving forward, it's clear that much of López Obrador's work is favored by Sheinbaum. However, she'll still be enacting policies and agendas that are unique to her. Among them are increasing jobs in the education sector and implementing a universal healthcare system.

While addressing members of Congress, Sheinbaum proudly cited both healthcare and education as "rights," rather than "merchandise" or "privileges."

Honoring victims of the Tlatelolco Massacre

The Tlatelolco massacre of 1968 saw Mexican Armed Forces violently open fire against peaceful, non-violent university students who were protesting a lack of political democracy in the country.

On Wednesday, October 2, Sheinbaum held a press conference, paying tribute to protesters who lost their lives 56 years ago. During her remarks, the new president apologized for these atrocities before noting her own mother was a National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) professor at the time.

2 de octubre, no se olvida. pic.twitter.com/QXIZJNgXhZ

— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) October 3, 2024