**AMLO Dismisses Zedillo’s Criticisms on Judicial Reform as Laughable**
On September 17, 2024, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador laughed off former President Ernesto Zedillo’s harsh criticisms regarding the recent judicial reforms. Zedillo, who governed Mexico from 1994 to 2000, stated that the reforms to the Federal Judicial Power (PJF) would “bury Mexican democracy and what remains of its fragile rule of law.”
In his morning press conference at the Treasury Hall of the National Palace, Lopez Obrador responded to Zedillo’s comments by thanking his adversaries for their role. He remarked, “I appreciate our adversaries because, without their respectful and responsible behavior, we would not have progressed as much as we have.”
Addressing the accusations directly, AMLO mocked the suggestion that Mexico is becoming a dictatorship. “They bring Zedillo to say that Mexico is already a dictatorship, and it’s laughable. They make fools of themselves, but that’s about it,” he said.
The president also referred to a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) listing several controversies from Zedillo’s presidency, including pension elimination, removing Supreme Court justices, the Fobaproa financial rescue program, and the December 1994 economic crisis.
“Who eliminated pensions? Zedillo. Who expelled justices? Zedillo. Who created Fobaproa? Who committed the December error? Zedillo,” AMLO listed, referencing the pension reform, the dismissal of Supreme Court justices, and other controversial decisions from Zedillo’s administration.
Zedillo’s administration also saw the privatization of Mexican railways, for which AMLO pointedly remarked, “Who privatized passenger trains? Zedillo. Who went on to work for a railway company that took over Mexico’s trains? Zedillo.” He also alleged that Zedillo receives a pension from the Bank of Mexico, though he did not provide further details.
In his speech at the Annual Conference of the International Bar Association in Mexico City on September 14, 2024, Zedillo characterized the recent reforms as catastrophic for Mexico’s judicial system and democracy. Highlighting the reforms of his administration in 1994 and 1996, Zedillo underlined their aim to consolidate democracy through checks and balances.
Zedillo lamented that the current government, led by AMLO and his party, undermines these fundamental principles by attacking the independence of the National Electoral Institute (INE) and the Federal Judicial Power.
Accusing the executive branch of maneuvering to fill Supreme Court vacancies with less-qualified individuals loyal to the government, Zedillo contended that these actions pose a direct threat to judicial independence and integrity.
In a nostalgic reference to Mexico’s history, Zedillo concluded, “Today, as we commemorate the beginning of our nation’s fight for independence, let us remember that our forefathers fought for justice and freedom, principles we must not allow to be trampled upon.”
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**Zedillo’s Concerns Echoed by Legal Experts and International Observers**
Following former President Ernesto Zedillo’s comments, several legal experts and international organizations have voiced similar concerns about Mexico’s judicial reforms. According to reports, the International Commission of Jurists released a statement urging the Mexican government to reconsider the reforms, emphasizing the importance of maintaining judicial independence for the rule of law and democratic integrity.
Amnesty International also expressed alarm, suggesting that these reforms might undermine human rights protections in Mexico. “Judicial independence is a cornerstone for the protection of human rights, and any attack on this independence is an attack on the rule of law,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.
International media coverage has further highlighted the issue, with several outlets drawing parallels between Mexico’s current situation and other countries where judicial independence has been compromised, leading to broader democratic backsliding.
The debate continues as Mexico’s legal and political landscapes react to these significant judicial changes, with many calling for nationwide consultations and a reconsideration of the proposed reforms.