Mexican Lower House Passes Judicial Overhaul Despite Protests
A controversial judicial overhaul proposed by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has taken a significant step forward as Mexico’s lower house approved the reform package amidst widespread protests.
The bill includes provisions such as the election of federal judges by popular vote, which critics fear could compromise the independence of the judiciary and fail to address systemic issues within the legal system.
The vote, held amidst ongoing strikes by court employees, saw opposition legislator Paulina Rubio Fernandez condemning the measure as a threat to the republic. The bill passed in a party-line vote and now moves to the Senate for further deliberation.
Lopez Obrador argues that the reforms are necessary to combat corruption and enhance transparency in the judiciary, while critics warn of the potential consequences for judicial independence and political power dynamics.
Popular votes and ‘hooded judges’
The proposed changes seek to introduce popular voting for federal judges and implement ‘hooded judges’ in organised crime cases to protect against reprisals. These changes could significantly impact the judiciary’s authority and political landscape.
Despite opposition from legal experts and foreign governments, Lopez Obrador remains determined to push through the reforms before the end of his term, setting the stage for a critical shift in Mexico’s legal system.
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