President of Mexico

The president of Mexico is the head of state and head of government of the country. This important role leads the executive branch of the federal government and serves as the commander in chief of the Mexican Armed Forces. The position was first created by the federal Constitution of 1824 and is now held by Claudia Sheinbaum, who began her term on October 1, 2024.

One special rule in Mexico is that presidents can only serve for one six-year term, called a sexenio. This rule started after the Revolutionary Constitution of 1917 to prevent anyone from holding power for too long. Because of this rule, no one who has been president, even temporarily, can ever be president again. The way the president's job works follows the presidential system of government, which helps organize how leaders make decisions for the country.

Requirements to hold office

The Constitution of Mexico explains who can become president. To be eligible, a person must:

• Be born in Mexico and have at least one parent also born in Mexico.
• Be at least 35 years old.
• Have lived in Mexico for at least 20 years, including the year before the election.
• Not be a leader of any religious group.
• Not be actively serving in the military during the six months before the election.
• Not work as a government minister, state governor, or top city official unless they have left their job six months before the election.
• Never have been president before, even temporarily.

Mexico does not allow presidents to serve more than one term, a rule that started after a long period of unfair re-elections and a major revolution. While other officials can now serve longer terms, the president’s term limit stays strict.

There are no specific school requirements to be president, but many past presidents have been lawyers, with some having backgrounds in economics, business, political science, or physics.

Elections

Further information: Sexenio (Mexico)

The president of Mexico is chosen in elections that happen every six years. People across the country vote for their favorite candidate, and the person with the most votes wins, even if it's not a majority. This way of electing leaders started in 1928 and has stayed the same since then.

In the past, one party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party, held power for many years. But in recent times, different parties have had the chance to lead the country. This change began in 1997 when an opposition party won a seat in Congress for the first time, and continued in 2000 when Vicente Fox from another party became president. This showed that Mexico's elections could bring new leaders to power.

Powers

The 1917 Constitution of Mexico was inspired by the Constitution of the United States and created a clear separation of powers, but it gave the president more control than the U.S. president.

For many years, the president had huge power because one political party, the PRI, controlled almost everything. The president could pick the next president and many important leaders. This made some people call the president a "six-year dictator." But in the 1980s, problems with the economy weakened the president's control.

Today, the president's powers are more limited because elections are fairer. The president's duties are listed in Article 89 of the Constitution. These include making sure laws are followed, appointing leaders of government departments, and handling foreign relations with the approval of the Senate. The president also has a role in keeping the country safe and can call special meetings of Congress.

Sometimes the president and Congress disagree, especially when different parties control each. This means the president's power is now more balanced with other parts of the government.

Oath of office

When a new president of Mexico starts their job, they raise their right arm and make a special promise. This promise is to follow the rules of Mexico and to work hard to help the country. The president promises to do their best for the good of everyone in Mexico.

According to the rules, the president's job officially starts at midnight on October 1st, even if the promise is made at a different time.

Sash and flag

The Mexican presidential sash has the colors of the Mexican flag in three equal bands: green on top, white in the middle, and red on the bottom. It is worn from the right shoulder to the left waist and includes the National Seal in gold thread. In November 2018, the order of the colors was changed and then changed back to the old order used from 1924 to 2009.

When a new president takes office, the old president gives the sash to the president of the Chamber of Deputies, who then gives it to the new president after they have taken their oath. The sash is a symbol of the president's power and is only worn by the current president.

According to rules, the president must wear the sash during important events like their swearing-in, when giving their yearly report to Congress, during the celebration of the Grito de Dolores each September 15, and when meeting foreign ambassadors. It is also worn at other very formal ceremonies. The sash is usually worn under the coat, except during the swearing-in when it is worn over the coat to make it easier to pass from one president to the next.

Each president also receives a special flag with the words Estados Unidos Mexicanos and the national coat of arms printed in gold.

Incumbency

Further information: Sexenio (Mexico)

In Mexico, the president can only serve one six-year term and cannot be elected again. This rule was created to prevent any one person from taking too much power, after a long rule by one leader that led to problems.

If something happens to the president, like they leave office early, different people can step in to take their place. Usually, a special leader from Congress takes over until new elections can be held, depending on how much time is left in the term.

There is also a way for people to vote to remove a president from office if they loss the trust of the people. This can only happen once during a president’s time in office and after the third year. Many people must sign a petition, and then a lot of voters must agree for it to happen.

The president’s pay is set each year and is the highest any government worker can earn.

The main workplace and home of the president is the National Palace in Mexico City. This building has a long history and was used by leaders for many years. Different presidents have lived in different places, but the National Palace is now where the president works and lives.

Post-presidency

Former presidents of Mexico keep the title "president" until they pass away, but they are usually called ex-presidents. Before 2018, they received special protection and a lifetime pension, which some chose not to take. This benefit was removed in 2018.

In Mexico, former presidents do not usually stay very visible in public life after leaving office. They often prefer not to interfere with the new president's work and sometimes have mixed public opinions. This tradition started during the time of President Lázaro Cárdenas. When his predecessor, Plutarco Elías Calles, tried to influence events from behind the scenes, Cárdenas made sure he left the country. Since then, former presidents generally respect the current president's leadership.

Some former presidents live and work outside of Mexico. For example, Ernesto Zedillo has held roles with the United Nations and in private companies abroad. Carlos Salinas de Gortari lived in Ireland for a time but later returned to Mexico. As of September 2024, some former presidents live in other countries, while others remain in Mexico.