Claudia Sheinbaum’s Strong Leadership and Popularity One Year Into Mexican Presidency

Confetti rains down as Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum waves to the crowd before delivering her address marking one year in office at Mexico City’s Zócalo on Sunday. Toya Sarno Jordan/Reuters

One year after the inauguration of Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, her support among the population remains high – about 70% of citizens express trust in her policies. Although this is slightly below the peak in February, this level allows Sheinbaum to maintain leadership in the domestic political discourse compared with many other countries. In the United States, President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains significantly lower than the Mexican example, underscoring differences in political climates and contexts.

How does she manage to maintain such influence? Analysts point to several factors: large-scale social initiatives to support millions of citizens – pensioners, students, single mothers and women in general. These steps reflect the continuity of López Obrador’s policies, but Sheinbaum adds her own style and continues to develop the directions that brought the predecessor popularity. Her slogan “Prosperity for all, starting with the poor” remains an important guidepost and a boon for broad support of reforms.

The election of the country’s first female president became a key factor in mobilizing voters. She deftly blended stability with a desire to enact changes, as a result her policies gained additional momentum.

Three areas that earned approval

Experts name three main areas that made her popular: a cautious approach in dealings with the United States and with President Trump, active fight against corruption, and the plan to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These factors create a balance between domestic development and the country’s international image.

“to keep a cool head”

In foreign policy, Sheinbaum demonstrates a measured diplomatic style: the aspiration for close cooperation with the United States in security and migration combines with respect for Mexico’s sovereignty. Unlike the more aggressive rhetoric from other leaders, the Mexican approach maintains a balance between cooperation and independence.

Although her administration has fulfilled many demands to strengthen border control and law enforcement, she does not yield to criticism and supports an independent diplomatic tone. In a speech on the main square of El Zócalo in Mexico City, Sheinbaum emphasized that reducing crime is one of the year’s major achievements, but she also stressed: “Mexico does not accept intervention – we are a free, independent, and sovereign country.”

“Mexico does not accept intervention – we are a free, independent, and sovereign country.”

Over the first eleven months of the term, there was a noticeable decrease in the indicators of some serious crimes compared to the previous administration, though the security situation remains uneven across regions: in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, following drug-traffickers’ arrests, crime rose, and about 63% of the population feels unsettled in their cities. At the same time, the fight against corruption has led to further arrests and investigations, which sustain the trust of a significant portion of the population in the government.

Outlook for 2026: the FIFA World Cup

The most significant challenge and opportunity for the coming year is the joint hosting of the FIFA World Cup with the United States and Canada. This is Mexico’s third time hosting a global event, and the tournament will include 13 matches, with the opening scheduled for June 11. The government and private sector see this as a chance to attract tourists and generate additional revenue, but the country needs to seriously work on infrastructure in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Sheinbaum called the tournament a “platform for Mexico,” and her success in working with leaders of other countries could play a role in coordinating actions in the three-host format. The main component is high-quality preparation and effective coordination between government and business, so that the event becomes not only a sporting event but an economic stimulus for the country.

In sum, popular support, a measured foreign policy, and an ambitious economic program make Sheinbaum one of the most trusted leaders in the region. The coming year will test her ability to turn global attention into solid domestic development and a stable image of Mexico on the world stage.