| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Prestigious | Important or highly regarded. |
| Diplomacy | The skill of managing international relations effectively and tactfully. |
| Populism | A political approach aiming to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. |
Time magazine has recognized Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, as one of the “100 most influential people of 2026.” This marks the second year in a row that she has been honored on this prestigious list. The list, published on Wednesday, includes global leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, among others from various sectors like arts and innovation.
Journalist Ioan Grillo wrote Sheinbaum’s profile for Time. He highlighted the challenges she faced in her first full year in office, including threats from then U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs and military actions against Mexico. Sheinbaum also dealt with violent gangs trafficking fentanyl and human smuggling across the Rio Grande. Critics suggested she would be outshone by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Despite these pressures, Grillo described Sheinbaum’s handling of these issues as a masterclass in diplomacy. She took decisive action against cartels, cooperating with the U.S. to address crime and maintain Mexican sovereignty without escalating tensions. Her efforts made her a popular figure in the region and a model of combining populism with practicality.
However, challenges remain. Mexico’s economy is slow, crime persists, and many people are still missing. As Grillo noted, it will be difficult for Sheinbaum to transform her early successes into a lasting legacy.
Sheinbaum is the sole Mexican on the 2026 list, unlike in 2025 when actor Diego Luna was also featured. Others on the list include artists, activists, and global figures like Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping, illustrating a diverse array of influence.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Diplomacy | Diplomacia |
| Influential | Influyente |
| Economy | Economía |
Time to discuss
- What qualities do you think make someone influential?
- How can leaders balance populism with effective governance?
- Why is diplomacy important in international relations?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Why do you think Claudia Sheinbaum was included on Time’s list of influential people?
- What challenges could impact her ability to maintain her influence?
