Mexico’s Senate passes a controversial judicial reform bill, sparking protests and fears of eroding democratic institutions.
At a Glance
- Mexican Senate approves judicial overhaul requiring judges to stand for election
- Critics warn the reform could politicize the judiciary and threaten democracy
- Legislation needs ratification by at least 17 of Mexico’s 32 state legislatures
- Protesters stormed the Senate chamber, leading to clashes with police
- U.S. and Canada express concerns over potential impacts on trade and investment
Senate Approves Controversial Judicial Reform
In a move that has sparked intense debate and protests, Mexico’s Senate has approved a contentious judicial reform bill. The legislation, which passed after a 12-hour session, fundamentally changes the structure of the country’s judiciary by requiring all judges to stand for election. This shift from an appointment-based system to one where voters elect judges has raised significant concerns about the potential politicization of the judicial branch.
The reform bill easily passed the lower chamber due to the ruling Morena party’s supermajority. However, the Senate vote required defections from opposition parties, including a key vote from a PAN lawmaker. The legislation now needs ratification by at least 17 of Mexico’s 32 state legislatures to become law, with Oaxaca’s legislature already ratifying the overhaul hours after the Senate’s approval.
Mexico’s Senate approves contentious judicial overhaul after protesters storm chamber (from @AP) By @meganjanetsky https://t.co/KKe5svjb9a
— E. Eduardo Castillo (@EECastilloAP) September 11, 2024
Supporters Claim Reform Will Enhance Justice System
Supporters of the judicial overhaul, including President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum and outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, argue that the reform will strengthen justice delivery and combat corruption and impunity in the judicial system. López Obrador, who has a history of opposing independent regulatory bodies and criticizing judges, sees this reform as a crucial step in addressing longstanding issues within the judiciary.
“It’s incredibly important to put an end to corruption and impunity. We’re going to make a lot of progress when the people can freely elect judges, magistrates and ministers”
The new system would remove approximately 7,000 judges from their current positions and implement a popular vote for over 6,500 judges and magistrates. Additionally, the reform reduces the number of Supreme Court judges from 11 to 9, cuts their terms to 12 years, and lowers age and experience requirements for judicial candidates.
Critics Warn of Threats to Democracy and Judicial Independence
Opposition to the reform has been fierce, with critics arguing that the changes could undermine the independence of the judiciary and grant excessive power to the executive branch. Experts and observers warn that the overhaul may increase corruption and criminal influence in the judicial system, rather than combat it as claimed by supporters.
“It’s a sad day for our Mexico,” said Sen Alejandro Moreno, the president of the opposition PRI party. The overhaul “was approved in the senate via the worst tricks and under unimaginable pressures and coercions”.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Norma Pina has cautioned that elected judges could be more vulnerable to criminal pressure. Human Rights Watch has urged lawmakers to reject the proposals, citing risks to judicial independence and human rights standards. The U.S. and Canada have also expressed concerns, warning that the overhaul could undermine the USMCA trade pact and negatively impact investment in Mexico.
Protests Erupt as Senate Passes Reform
The passage of the reform bill was marked by significant unrest, with protesters storming the Senate chamber and chanting against the overhaul. Demonstrators clashed with police, who used fire extinguishers to disperse the crowds. The chaotic scenes underscored the deep divisions within Mexican society regarding the reform and its potential impact on the country’s democratic institutions.
“Our intention is not violent, we didn’t intend to hurt them. But we intend to make it clear that the Mexican people won’t allow them to lead us into a dictatorship,” said protestor Alejandro Navarrete.
As Mexico moves forward with this controversial judicial reform, the nation faces a period of uncertainty and potential instability. The implementation of the new system, which could see voters electing judges as soon as next year, will likely continue to be a source of intense debate and scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
