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In Mexico a judicial back and forth has ignited widespread protests and raised concerns about democratic checks and balances, Mexico's Senate approved a controversial judicial reform early Wednesday. The constitutional amendment, championed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, calls for judges to be elected by popular vote rather than appointed through the current merit-based system.
The approval came amid chaotic scenes as hundreds of demonstrators broke into the Senate chambers, forcing lawmakers to relocate to a nearby museum to conclude the session. "They have decided to sell out the nation," said Alejandro Navarrete, a 30-year-old judicial worker, expressing the frustration felt by many opponents of the reform.
Under the new system, candidates would need only a law degree and a letter of recommendation to be eligible for some judgeships, a stark departure from the rigorous selection process currently in place. Critics argue this could lead to the politicization of the judiciary and potentially allow criminal organizations to influence court decisions.
The reform has faced fierce opposition from legal experts, business leaders, and even some of López Obrador's allies. Thousands of judges have been on strike in recent weeks, paralyzing Mexico's legal system. The peso has plummeted amid concerns that the overhaul could deter foreign investment.
International observers have also voiced their concerns. The U.S. State Department warned that the reform "could threaten judicial independence and undermine the fight against corruption and transnational crime." The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Diego García-Sayán, cautioned that the proposal "poses serious risks to the separation of powers and the rule of law in Mexico."
Despite the opposition, López Obrador and his supporters argue that the reform is necessary to combat corruption in the judiciary. "This ruling reflects the desire of the people of Mexico to improve judicial procedures and encourages an inclusive and sensitive approach," said Ernestina Godoy, a senator from the ruling Morena party.
The reform still needs to be ratified by a majority of Mexico's state legislatures before becoming law. However, with Morena controlling most state congresses, its approval seems likely.
