Massive Crowds Gather outside Mexican Senate to Protest New Judiciary Reforms
The plan, supported by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, proposes that 7,000 judges in Mexico be elected by popular vote.
During a debate in Mexico’s Senate on Tuesday, hundreds of protesters stormed the building to voice their opposition to controversial plans for judicial reform proposed by Mexico’s ruling party, Morena.
The reforms, endorsed by López Obrador, aim to have 7,000 judges across Mexico elected through popular vote.
López Obrador argues that many judges in Mexico are corrupt and need to be accountable. However, critics fear that these reforms may jeopardize judicial independence and weaken the system of checks and balances.
Protesters, armed with pipes and chains, managed to enter the Senate chamber briefly but no violence occurred.
Subsequently, when trying to enter another building, police used tear gas to deter them.
The Senate is expected to vote on the reforms on Wednesday.
Senator Andrea Chávez from Morena criticized the violent intrusion by protesters, emphasizing that differences should be resolved peacefully.
A judicial worker, Alejandro Navarrete, expressed concern about the dangers posed by the reform, leading to the protest.
Despite passing the lower chamber of Congress, Morena lacked the majority needed to approve the plan, prompting speculation about potential support from opposition senators.
Yunes Linares, who replaced his son in the Senate due to health issues, acknowledged that the reform plan was not flawless, emphasizing the need for fundamental changes in the justice system.
López Obrador asserts that the plan would combat corruption by facilitating the punishment of corrupt judges.
However, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar views the reforms as a democratic risk and economic threat.
Corruption in Mexico, often linked to drug trade and cartels, remains a significant challenge.
Recently, violent clashes within the Sinaloa Cartel resulted in casualties, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.
The arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel, further underscores the complex dynamics of Mexico’s drug war.
Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
