### AMLO Praises Judges Who Supported “Supermajority” for the 4T; TEPJF Ruled Unjustly: Xóchitl
On August 29, 2024, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador extended his congratulations to the four judges of the Supreme Court’s Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF), who approved a project led by Felipe de la Mata Pizaña. This decision allows the self-proclaimed “fourth transformation” (4T) movement to secure a qualified majority in the lower house of the Mexican Congress, facilitating constitutional reforms, including those aimed at the Federal Judicial Branch (PJF).
In his morning press conference held at the National Palace, the President said, “The judges deserve commendation because they have withstood immense pressure.” He criticized what he described as “corrupt oligarchs” who habitually resort to manipulative and unethical tactics to maintain control. “Imagine, these corrupt oligarchs are accustomed to always imposing their will through deceit, money, media manipulation, and foreign government support. To withstand that, as the people of Mexico do, certainly deserves recognition,” he added.
Former presidential candidate Bertha Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz, representing the coalition “Strength and Heart for Mexico” formed by the PRI, PAN, and PRD, expressed her discontent. “The future of Mexico is bleak. The TEPJF ruled without unanimity, without law, and without justice,” she tweeted. She argued that the recent ruling diminishes pluralism and democracy, warning that history will be the ultimate judge of this decision.
Gálvez Ruiz lauded magistrate Janine Otálora for her integrity, praising her willingness to speak out against what she perceives as manipulations by the executive branch. Otálora was the sole vote against the project, which was supported by judges Mónica Aralí Soto Fregoso, Felipe Alfredo Fuentes Barrera, Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón, and Felipe de la Mata Pizaña.
During the session, Soto Fregoso acknowledged that judges had faced pressure and even threats. However, she emphasized that the tribunal was committed to ruling on the 8,662 challenges to overrepresentation based on constitutional principles. “We act with absolute public responsibility, professionalism, and adherence to the principles every judge should follow,” she asserted.
Soto Fregoso also reiterated the tribunal’s commitment to upholding the law above all other considerations and justified the decision-making process. She confirmed that the TEPJF heard arguments from a diverse range of stakeholders, including political actors, civil society representatives, experts, and electoral authorities.
“Our stance on such matters will continue to strictly adhere to the Constitution and the principles governing elections, such as certainty, legality, independence, impartiality, equality, maximum publicity, and objectivity,” Soto Fregoso concluded.
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### Additional Insight: PVEM Transfers Deputies to Morena for Majority Control
In an allied move, the Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) has transferred 15 deputies to Morena, bolstering the latter’s position in the lower house with a total of 251 legislators. This shift grants Morena control over the Chamber of Deputies’ Legislative Coordination Board (JUCOPO), further solidifying their political influence.
Javier Aguirre recently unveiled his initial list of call-ups for the national football team, reflecting ongoing changes in sports administration. Moreover, there is growing unrest among employees of the Supreme Court and the Federal Judiciary Council, with students from UNAM joining the protest against judicial reforms, creating a climate of heightened tension.
Despite these domestic challenges, Mexico’s currency stability remains unaffected by judicial reforms, as indicated by Claudia Sheinbaum. This sentiment underlined her commitment to clear distinctions between economic factors and legislative shifts.
Workers from the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) have also made headlines by blockading the San Ysidro border due to unresolved payment issues, marking yet another challenge facing the current administration.
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