Mexico's Lower House Passes Judicial Reform Despite Protests
Mexico's Lower House Passes Judicial Reform Despite Protests
The Facts
Mexico's Chamber of Deputies approved on Wednesday the Pres. Andrés Manuel López Obrador's judicial reform, 359 to 135, after a session held at a sports hall in Mexico City, moving the bill to the Senate — where the ruling Morena party is close to a two-thirds supermajority.Mexico's Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday approved (359 to 135) Pres. Andrés Manuel López Obrador's judicial reform, moving the bill to the Senate where the ruling Morena party is close to a two-thirds supermajority.
This comes as demonstrators, including court employees who have gone on strike and students, gathered outside Congress on Tuesday and blocked access to the lower house in protest against the proposed overhaul.This comes as demonstrators, including students and court employees who have gone on strike, gathered outside Congress on Tuesday and blocked access to the lower house in protest against the proposed overhaul.
The Spin
It's urgent that Mexico reforms its judicial system, becauseas most Mexicans have expressed their desire to be able to vote for judges and magistrates rather than being subject to the dictates of the judiciary elite. These changes are part of a broader push to bring more equality and social justice to Mexico.
As Obrador enters his final month in office, hehis hasgoal theis clearclearly goal to consolidate his Morena party's in power and reform the judicial system to install a totalitarian regime in Mexico. Instead of promoting true independence and democracy, these plans will only do the opposite, asby theylowering will lower professional standards and createcreating further vulnerabilities.
