Legal Adviser of Mexican President Sheinbaum appointed as new attorney general

MEXICO CITY Ernestina Godoy, who has long served as a legal adviser to President Claudia Sheinbaum, was officially confirmed by the Mexican Senate on Wednesday as the nations new attorney general. Her nomination follows the resignation of Alejandro Gertz Manero last Friday, after which Godoy had temporarily assumed the role.

Godoy has been advising President Sheinbaum since she assumed office in October 2024 and previously served as Mexico Citys prosecutor during Sheinbaums tenure as mayor. Earlier on Wednesday, Sheinbaum highlighted that her shortlist of candidates for the position consisted entirely of women. Her party, Morena, maintains a majority in the Senate.

Gertz Manero, 86, who had maintained a low public profile despite holding various public security roles since the 1970s, stepped down to accept an ambassadorial role, though the administration has not disclosed the destination. Appointed in January 2019, he was Mexicos first attorney general intended to operate independently of political influence, but his tenure was often criticized for close connections to former President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador.

Analysis: The Appointment of Ernestina Godoy as Mexico's New Attorney General

The confirmation of Ernestina Godoy as Mexico's new attorney general marks a significant shift in the nation's legal landscape. Having long served as a trusted legal adviser to President Claudia Sheinbaum, Godoy's ascension follows the resignation of Alejandro Gertz Manero, who stepped down after four years in the role. With Gertz's resignation, Godoy assumes a position that has been fraught with political and legal complexities, yet her experience in law enforcement and politics makes her a notable figure in this transition.

Godoy's appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as she inherits an office that has faced significant scrutiny over its independence and transparency. While Gertz Manero was lauded for his efforts to detach the role of attorney general from political influence, his tenure was also marred by accusations of partiality and close ties to former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Godoy, however, presents herself as an experienced legal professional with a history of working within the political framework, which could either aid or challenge her in fulfilling the office's mandate to operate independently of government influence.

Notably, President Sheinbaum's emphasis on an all-female shortlist for the position signals a shift towards gender equity in key government roles, something that resonates with the current political climate in Mexico. Given Sheinbaum's own political career, which has been marked by her rise to power as a prominent female leader, Godoy's confirmation can be seen as part of a broader movement to empower women in positions of authority. However, this move may also spark debate about the extent to which the decision was driven by political loyalty versus merit.

The relationship between Godoy and the Sheinbaum administration will be crucial in determining the future direction of the Attorney General's Office. Whether she will maintain the independence sought by her predecessors or align more closely with political objectives remains to be seen. As the nation navigates this transition, the expectations on Godoy will be high, with many watching to see if she can break away from the controversies that have plagued the office in the past.

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• Mexican President Sheinbaum's legal adviser is selected as the new attorney general