Cabinet Appointments by Mexico’s President Sheinbaum: Gender Equality and Academic Presence

Mexico City (AP) – In a historic move, Mexico’s incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her Cabinet members on Thursday, showcasing an even gender distribution and a strong presence from academia and her prior administration as Mexico City’s mayor.

Sheinbaum, a climate scientist herself, appointed former Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard as her administration’s economy secretary. Ebrard, who previously served as mayor of Mexico City, stepped down from his post in 2023 to run against Sheinbaum for their party’s nomination.

Ebrard’s appointment was met with optimism from investors, as he will be tasked with renewing a free trade agreement with the United States and Canada and increasing foreign investment. The Mexican currency showed a slight appreciation following the announcement of the Cabinet picks.

Additionally, Sheinbaum named Juan Ramón de la Fuente, the former rector of Mexico’s largest university, as her secretary of foreign affairs. De la Fuente, known for his calm and diplomatic demeanor, has previously served as Mexico’s ambassador to the United Nations.

Alicia Bárcena, the current foreign affairs secretary, was appointed as the secretary of environment and natural resources. Sheinbaum also announced the creation of a new ministry overseeing science, humanities, technology, and innovation, with biologist Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez as the chosen candidate.

Other key appointments include Ernestina Godoy as the administration’s legal adviser and Julio Berdegué Sacristán as the secretary of agriculture and rural development.

Sheinbaum stated that she will unveil more Cabinet picks next week, as she continues to shape her administration for the future.

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