Mexico’s next president names sustainability expert as energy chief

MEXICO CITY — New Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Thursday that her incoming Cabinet will include five new members. A group of academics and former aides have joined the ranks of candidates for energy secretary, including Luz Elena González, an expert on sustainable development.

Sheinbaum highlighted González’s expertise in renewable energy and financial management, an area that will prove useful in the department’s dealings with state-owned companies such as oil giant Pemex and the Federal Electricity Commission. Before her appointment, González was in charge of Mexico City’s finances.

Sheinbaum also named Raquel Buenrostro as secretary of public administration. Buenrostro, who has worked in government tax, treasury and economic agencies for more than two decades, was described by the future president as an “incorruptible woman” with 28 years of experience in public administration.

David Kershenobich, a renowned researcher, will be the next Secretary of Health. Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina, Secretary of Infrastructure of Mexico City, will be responsible for the Department of Communications and Transportation.

Edna Elena Vega Rangel, who also previously worked for the Mexico City government, will serve as secretary of agricultural, territorial and urban development.

The day after the June 2 election, Sheinbaum confirmed that Finance Minister Rogelio Ramírez de la O had agreed to continue in his post, in an attempt to reassure investors after the country faced a sudden collapse in stock and currency markets.

The question remains who will be in charge of security, a department that bears the heavy responsibility of securing the country amid the growing violence that has beset the country. One possible candidate for the job is Omar García Harfuch, a former Mexico City police chief who was present at Sheinbaum’s meeting with White House envoy Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall two weeks ago.

Last week, Sheinbaum announced her first Cabinet candidates, featuring an even gender split as well as a significant presence from academia and her previous administration as mayor of Mexico City.

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