Mexico’s Contested Judicial Reform Advances from Commission Stage to Full Senate Vote

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – A contentious proposal for judicial reform in Mexico, criticized for potentially harming the nation’s business environment, moved closer to approval as senators supported it during the commission stage late Sunday.

The reform plan aims to allow popular election of over 7,000 judges and magistrates, including members of the Supreme Court. Opponents argue that this change could undermine a critical check on executive power.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is advocating for the proposal, which has created tension in relations with the United States. Supporters assert that the reforms will enhance democracy in Mexico, citing public backing in various opinion polls.

The bill received a 25 to 12 vote in favor from the commissions and has already been passed by the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house. It is set to be debated and voted on by the full Senate on Wednesday.

To secure the reforms’ passage, the ruling party and its allies need the support of just one opposition senator, as opposition lawmakers have pledged to oppose the measure.

During the debate, Supreme Court President Norma Pina urged legislators to consider judges’ recommendations before making any changes. She stated, “The demolition of the judicial system isn’t the way,” in a televised address flanked by Supreme Court and federal judiciary staff.

Protests against the reform have erupted from judicial system workers, civilian organizations, and university students across Mexico, which is the second-largest economy in Latin America. Meanwhile, some demonstrators have voiced their support for both the reform and the president, with authorities reporting no incidents during the protests.

Lopez Obrador has expressed that the objective of the reform is to “clean out corruption” from the judiciary, questioning, “What’s the fear?” during a speech at a public event on Sunday.

The lower house approved the reform in a lengthy session last Wednesday.