Claudia Sheinbaum Net Worth, first Presidential Debate In Mexico

On April 7, Mexico’s two leading presidential candidates, Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling MORENA party and Bertha Xóchitl Gálvez of the electoral coalition Strength and Heart for Mexico, participated in the first debate in three televised debates. This debate sets the stage for a fierce contest leading up to the June 2 election, with Sheinbaum now holding a significant lead.

Gálvez’s argument runs into trouble

Gálvez, representing the coalition of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN) and the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), faced a challenging performance. Despite his energetic approach, Gálvez struggled to effectively express his political and social proposals. Her attempts to attack Sheinbaum have been harsh and shrill, failing to make a significant impact. After the debate, Gálvez admitted her performance was unsuccessful, attributing it to not trying “to be herself”.

The debate performance did little to help Gálvez in the polls, where she still trails Sheinbaum by about 24 percentage points. With Sheinbaum polling at 58-60 percent and Gálvez at 34-36 percent, Gálvez’s path to victory looks increasingly difficult.

Background and Sheinbaum’s criticisms

Sheinbaum, a scientist with a PhD in energy engineering, previously served as Secretary of the Environment in Mexico City under AMLO. Her tenure as head of the Mexico City government was marked by significant challenges, including the collapse of the metro and a growing water crisis. Despite these weaknesses, Gálvez failed to capitalize on these issues in the debate.

Sheinbaum’s relationship with current President AMLO works in her favor, given the popularity of his modest social programs. AMLO’s initiatives, such as cash transfers and wage increases, have reached millions of people and maintained public support. As AMLO’s handpicked successor, Sheinbaum’s promise to continue these programs seems more credible to voters.

Third candidate Jorge Álvarez Maynez

The third candidate in the debate, Jorge Álvarez Mãnez of the Citizens’ Movement Party, focused on a “social market economy.” Although he remains third in the polls with 5-6 percent, his presence has added another dimension to the electoral landscape. Maynez won a few points after the debate, showing some traction for his platform.

AMLO’s Influence and Legacy

AMLO’s influence on the current election is undeniable. Since his landslide victory in 2018, the PRI and PAN have lost significant support, and the PRD has almost collapsed politically. Despite criticism from some on the US right, AMLO has maintained a cooperative relationship with the US, especially on issues such as migration and economic policies that favor US investment. America.

For example, AMLO has played a key role in controlling mass migration from Latin America and the Caribbean, supporting Biden’s policies. Additionally, his administration’s “Republican austerity” has focused spending on select projects like the Maya train and Pemex’s Dos Bocas refinery, while maintaining a favorable environment for U.S. investment.

Economic policy and social programs

AMLO’s tenure has seen significant US investment, such as Elon Musk’s Tesla factory near Monterrey. Despite his popular social programs, AMLO has not broken with Mexico’s oligarchy, maintaining friendly ties with billionaires like Carlos Slim Helú. This relationship has sidelined major reforms, such as tax increases for the wealthy.

Sheinbaum has vowed not to raise taxes on the wealthy or corporate profits, arguing that social programs could suffer in the face of economic uncertainty or increased military spending. NGOs led by Oxfam Mexico estimate that maintaining current social services would require spending increases equivalent to 5.5 percent of GDP, a challenge without new revenue sources.

Class struggle and future prospects

AMLO’s administration has been marked by efforts to suppress class struggle and keep wages low. Despite his populist rhetoric, AMLO has tried to maintain a status quo that benefits Mexico’s elite. Given Sheinbaum’s willingness to continue AMLO’s policies, significant changes aimed at addressing inequality and social justice seem unlikely.

The ongoing debate and election highlight the challenges and complexities of Mexico’s political landscape. While Sheinbaum’s lead appears insurmountable, the issues raised in the debates will continue to shape public discourse and voter priorities leading up to the election. For meaningful change to occur, the focus may need to shift to broader systemic reforms and grassroots mobilization beyond current political proposals.

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