The new year begins with the so-called second phase —or “second floor”— of Mexico’s Fourth Transformation (4T), bringing fresh challenges for Claudia Sheinbaum. These challenges surpass those faced during AMLO’s presidency and will test the structural viability of the redistributive agenda, the ability to curb criminal violence ravaging large parts of the country, and efforts to reduce the polarization that has become a hallmark of the administration. All these efforts are essential to present a united front as Donald Trump returns to the global stage with his threats—actions that, if realized, could strain the government’s ability to maintain public policies supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors, policies that carry significant fiscal costs. Claudia Sheinbaum assumed the presidency of Mexico with an undisputed electoral legitimacy, having garnered 36 million of the 60 million votes cast in last summer’s elections.  However, this comfortable electoral victory did not translate into a similar advantage in the composition...

Thirty-five years later, the promise of liberal democracy to achieve greater progress and welfare contrasts with the general problems of Panama City.

The problem is that populist leaders and parties, while broadly accepting the rules of the democratic game, have a rhetoric that strains the pluralist component of democracy.