Mexico made history on Sunday with the landslide election victory of Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman and first Jewish person to become the country’s president. But as much as the focus was on Sheinbaum, the current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also took center stage as his handpicked successor marked the beginning of the end of his influential tenure.
López Obrador, a defining figure in Mexican politics, emerged from a region where few national politicians have hailed and became president on his third attempt. He reshaped Mexican politics and built a political party around his charismatic personality. However, critics argue that he granted too much power to the military and undermined democratic institutions during his time in office.
As López Obrador’s six-year term comes to a close on September 30, he has announced his retirement, stating his intention to spend his days at his family’s ranch in Chiapas. The news of his departure has left many feeling bittersweet, especially in his hometown of Tepetitán, where residents have mixed emotions about the end of his presidency.
Despite the controversies surrounding his leadership, López Obrador remains widely popular among many Mexicans. His social welfare programs have lifted millions out of poverty, doubled the minimum wage, and improved workers’ benefits. However, his approach to dealing with criminal cartels and his prioritization of fossil fuels have drawn criticism.
Throughout his presidency, López Obrador was known for his daily news conferences, where he shared his thoughts, celebrated victories, and criticized his opponents. While some will miss his fiery and folksy demeanor, others are ready for a change.
As Mexico transitions to a new era under Sheinbaum’s leadership, many are hopeful that she will continue López Obrador’s legacy. The president’s influence is expected to linger even after his retirement, with observers speculating that he will find ways to exert his influence behind the scenes.
In Tepetitán, a town where López Obrador’s grandparents lived, his legacy is commemorated at the Obrador House Community Museum. Despite differing opinions on his presidency, residents believe that his impact on Mexican politics will endure for years to come.
As Mexico bids farewell to López Obrador and welcomes a new chapter with Sheinbaum at the helm, the country is poised for change and continuity in its political landscape. The legacy of one of Mexico’s most influential leaders will continue to shape the nation’s future, even as he steps down from office.
