BTN News: Judges and magistrates across Mexico are poised to initiate an indefinite strike beginning tomorrow, a historic protest against a sweeping judicial reform spearheaded by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The reform, which has sparked significant controversy, proposes that judges should be elected through popular vote and seeks the establishment of two new administrative bodies. This move has been met with fierce opposition from within the judiciary, who view it as a direct threat to the independence of the judicial branch.
The decision to strike was reached by the National Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges of the Federal Judiciary (Jufed), with an overwhelming majority of 1,202 judges voting in favor of the strike and only 201 opposing it. The Jufed has announced that during this period, only urgent cases will be addressed, ensuring that critical judicial functions are not entirely halted.
In a strongly worded statement, the Jufed emphasized the gravity of their decision, framing it as a crucial defense of the autonomy of Mexico’s judiciary, which they see as a cornerstone of the country’s democratic system. The statement underscored the collective resolve of the judiciary to protect the republic, maintain judicial independence, and uphold the separation of powers, which are all fundamental to safeguarding the future of Mexico’s democratic institutions.
As of the first minute of August 21, all federal courts and tribunals across the country will suspend their judicial activities, with specific exceptions for cases deemed urgent, as outlined in the official declaration accompanying the strike. This unprecedented action is part of a broader wave of discontent within the judiciary, which has also seen around 55,000 workers from the Federal Judiciary of Mexico (PJF) begin their own strike earlier this week. The workers, who commenced their strike on Monday, have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are acknowledged and reflected in Mexico’s Constitution.
The judicial reform has also seen a notable decline in public support. Recent polling data from the Mexican news outlet El Financiero reveals that public approval for the reform has plummeted by 15 percentage points over the past two months, now standing at 44%. This marks a significant drop from the 59% support recorded in June and the 64% approval rate in January, indicating a growing public skepticism about the proposed changes, particularly the idea of electing judges and Supreme Court members through popular vote.
President López Obrador, however, has dismissed the judiciary’s strike as “illegal,” though he downplayed its potential impact. In remarks made on Tuesday, he maintained that the strike would not have significant consequences, asserting that while the judiciary’s actions may be unlawful, it is not within his administration’s purview to impose sanctions. “Nothing is going to happen,” López Obrador said, emphasizing his respect for the judiciary’s right to strike, despite questioning its legality.
This unfolding conflict between Mexico’s executive branch and its judiciary highlights the deepening tensions surrounding López Obrador’s judicial reform agenda. As the strike begins, the country watches closely, aware that the outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching implications for the future of Mexico’s democratic system and the balance of power within its government.
