Judicial Reform Shake-Up in Mexico: What’s Cooking?
Mexico’s Ruling Party Ponders Major Changes
By Diego Oré
Mexico City is buzzing with talk of changes as the ruling party considers adjustments to their proposed judicial reform. It looks like they’re aiming to soothe market jitters by introducing a staggered election process for judges, a move designed to ease worries about a political take-over of the judiciary, according to sources in the know.
Investor Concerns Spark Revisions
The plan originally laid out by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador had investors on edge. The idea of electing almost 1,600 judges—including those on the Supreme Court—by popular vote raised alarms about undermining the balance of power in Mexico.
President-Elect Backs Election of Judges
Claudia Sheinbaum, the incoming president from the Morena party, stands firmly by the proposal. She feels that judges should be chosen through elections, a stance that has spurred quite a bit of debate.
Staggered Elections and Technical Oversight
However, the Morena party plans to tweak the reform. Instead of a single big election, judges would be elected over time, with a technical committee picking participants after they pass screening tests, as indicated by four party insiders.
Protecting Judicial Workers’ Trust Funds
There’s more on the table. Sources mentioned that the generous trust funds for judicial workers will remain intact. Last year, there was a push to shut down 13 judicial trust funds, which stirred up tensions. Luckily, the Supreme Court later rolled back that decision.
Market Reactions Following Elections
In the week following the June 2 elections, Mexico’s peso took a hit, dropping 8%. This election also gave Morena a super-majority in the lower house of Congress, which added to the atmosphere of uncertainty.
Looking Ahead to Trade Agreements
Senator Ricardo Monreal, expected to lead Morena in Congress starting September, shared that lawmakers are attentive to upcoming reviews of the USMCA—the trade pact that began in 2020. They worry that the original plan for popular elections of judges could disrupt the new labor courts set up to swiftly handle disputes.
Commitment to Principles Amidst Change
Monreal emphasized that it’s vital for legislators to refine proposals to improve governance. In his view, they’ll navigate both internal and external pressures while staying true to their core commitments and values.
