Bullied by a macho president in the neighboring north, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s newly elected leader, has made a bold and defining move in her first year in office. In a world fraught with political posturing, Sheinbaum’s firm yet thoughtful response sets a new standard for international diplomacy. Her leadership not only challenges outdated gender norms but also reaffirms Mexico’s sovereignty and progressive ambitions on the global stage.
A remarkable 81% of Mexicans approve of Sheinbaum’s performance as president, according to a poll by El Financiero. Meanwhile, a larger survey conducted for El Economista yielded a lower but still impressive 65% approval rating for Mexico’s first female president. These figures reflect widespread confidence in her administration and signal a shift in the political landscape, where competence and vision take precedence over traditional power structures.
According to Morning Consult’s “Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker,” Sheinbaum currently holds the second-highest approval rating among 24 world leaders, trailing only behind Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This global recognition underscores her growing influence and the impact of her policies, which emphasize social welfare, economic stability, and climate resilience.
One of her most notable acknowledgments came during a morning press conference on February 5, held in Querétaro to commemorate the signing of Mexico’s 1917 Constitution. In her address, Sheinbaum expressed deep gratitude to Mexicans living in the United States for their remittances, which reached a historic record of almost $65 billion in 2024.
“First, I would like to thank my fellow countrymen and women who are extraordinary Mexicans always, but more so now. We must say it more forcefully,” Sheinbaum stated, recognizing the economic contributions of migrants and their unwavering connection to their homeland.
As Mexico navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, Sheinbaum’s leadership signals a departure from submissive diplomacy toward a more assertive, principled stance. She has positioned herself as a leader who not only defends her nation’s interests but also champions a more inclusive and equitable vision for the future. In the face of external pressures and internal challenges, Sheinbaum stands as a testament to the transformative power of progressive leadership—one that the world sorely needs.
