Will Claudia Sheinbaum Match López Obrador's Charisma?

Mexico's new President, Claudia Sheinbaum, is following in the footsteps of her mentor, ex-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, with morning press briefings. However, her approach is more concise and less combative. Sheinbaum carries forward several policies and controversies from her predecessor, while adopting a distinct scientific communication style.

Mexico's new President Claudia Sheinbaum began her day on Wednesday with an early morning press briefing from the National Palace, much like her mentor, ex-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. López Obrador's briefings, known for their lengthy folksy dialogue, were a powerful political tool.

Sheinbaum, however, opted for a shorter and more concise format, reflecting her background as a scientist and academic. Despite shorter sessions, she plans to retain certain elements from López Obrador's tenure, including a weekly segment targeting media "lies" against the government. She also maintained a diplomatic dispute with Spain over historical grievances and downplayed cartel violence in Sinaloa.

Sheinbaum hopes to set the press agenda as effectively as her predecessor. She opened her first conference with an apology on the 56th anniversary of the 1968 massacre of student protesters in Mexico City, a personal moment given her family's history in the movement. She's expected to be more punctual and less combative, focusing on creating empathy and control over the media narrative.

(With inputs from agencies.)