First Test for Mexico’s New President? Marathon Daily Press Conferences by Reuters

(Corrects paragraph 15 to fix spelling of Mariano Sanchez Talanquer’s name)

By Cassandra Garrison

MEXICO CITY – Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s daily press conference is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring everything from live mariachi bands to clips from classic Mexican films, and even images of journalists being critiqued for their reporting. However, one thing remains consistent: the conferences are lengthy, often lasting more than three hours.

Referred to as the “mañanera,” meaning roughly “in the morning,” this blend of important updates and political flair has become a key component of Lopez Obrador’s administration, which has enjoyed approval ratings exceeding 60%. The president uses this platform to set the news agenda, address crises, and challenge opponents while many citizens are having breakfast.

As Claudia Sheinbaum prepares to take office on Tuesday, she faces the task of stepping into Lopez Obrador’s shoes at the lectern. Political observers note that this could prove challenging for her, given her less spontaneous approach. The mañanera has integrated itself into Mexican daily life, making it impossible for Sheinbaum to eliminate it. However, merely mimicking her mentor’s style could lead to accusations of being a mere puppet.

“It’s not an easy act to follow,” said Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The transition presents a microcosm of Sheinbaum’s effort to navigate her predecessor’s popularity while carving out her own identity. She inherits the mañanera, which debuted under Lopez Obrador six years ago, at a pivotal moment.

Despite her mentor’s popularity, the country faces significant challenges including escalating violence, currency struggles, a growing budget deficit, and trade tensions over a controversial judicial reform.

“She may try to maintain this very high level of popularity, like Lopez Obrador did, and downplay her technocratic policy side, but that might not be a perfect fit for her,” Berg suggested.

Sheinbaum and her team are keenly aware of the challenge ahead and are considering how to make the event reflect her style while maintaining its effectiveness. Although an afternoon slot was briefly contemplated, it was dismissed as less impactful.

The news conferences are expected to be “much shorter, around an hour,” according to a source familiar with her plans, with her first mañanera scheduled for Wednesday, the day after her inauguration.

Sheinbaum intends to use these conferences to emphasize the roles of women in Mexico’s history while also echoing Lopez Obrador’s focus on “recovering historical memory.” He notably called for Spain to apologize for historical abuses during the Spanish conquest.

By the end of his presidency, Lopez Obrador will have conducted nearly 1,500 mañaneras. Supporters view this time as a period where he truly connected with the public in an unfiltered manner.

Contrarily, Sheinbaum, a climate scientist known for a measured and monotone delivery, will likely find it challenging to emulate her mentor’s spontaneous style, which included humor and deftly steering discussions toward more favorable subjects when faced with difficult questions.

“I envision her as somewhat more formal, with messages that are well-rehearsed,” remarked Mariano Sanchez Talanquer, a researcher at the Center for International Studies at El Colegio de Mexico.

Experts predict there will be fewer gimmicks under her leadership, as her personal style does not lend itself to some of the mañanera’s signature features, including the segment analyzing “fake news.”

She may also find it difficult to create memorable phrases akin to her predecessor, who had dolls sold in Mexico that recited his slogans and policies.

Despite these challenges, political strategist Rafael Valenzuela indicated that Sheinbaum would benefit from the strong political brand established by Lopez Obrador and would aim to retain it.

“She doesn’t want to lose the symbol of the mañanera. They have powerful symbols that resonate with voters,” Valenzuela noted.

Sheinbaum’s strong defense of Lopez Obrador’s policies and commitment to continuing key pledges, such as poverty reduction and anti-corruption efforts, contributed to her significant electoral win. In August, she announced the results of a poll in which participants expressed support for the continuation of daily press conferences.

“She doesn’t have the same instincts. She lacks the same charisma,” commented campaign and political messaging strategist Sergio Torres.

“She faces a major challenge in developing her own approach while maintaining the same significance as Lopez Obrador.”