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8mo ago

Mexico's Senate Passes Controversial Judicial Reform

The reform, which transitions judges from appointments to elections, faces widespread opposition and concerns over politicization.

Protesters attempt to break into a room in the Senate as lawmakers weigh the government's proposed judicial reform, which would make judges stand for election, in Mexico City, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.
Senator Gerardo Fernandez Norona celebrates with senators, after members of Mexico's Senate passed the highly contested proposal on judicial reform presented by the government of President Andres Lopez Obrador, previously approved by the Chamber of Deputies and backed by senators at the commission stage, in Mexico City, Mexico, September 11, 2024. REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo
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Overview

  • Mexico's Senate has narrowly passed a sweeping judicial reform that will require judges to be elected rather than appointed.
  • The reform, championed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, aims to address corruption but has sparked significant protests and resistance.
  • If approved by state legislatures, the measure will remove 7,000 judges from their positions and allow voters to elect new judges starting next year.
  • Critics argue that the reform will politicize the judiciary and undermine the rule of law, with concerns echoed by judicial workers, law experts, and opposition legislators.
  • The reform has caused diplomatic tensions with the US and Canada and has divided public opinion, with polls showing mixed awareness and support among Mexicans.