### Absolute Respect for Strike; Most Mexicans Don’t Care, Says AMLO About Nationwide PJF Walkout
On August 20, 2024, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador confirmed that there would be absolute respect for the “strike” in the Federal Judiciary (PJF). The night before, the Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges of the Federal Judiciary (JUFED) announced that all court activities across the country would be suspended starting Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Earlier, on the morning of August 19, 2024, PJF workers began an indefinite national strike at various locations to protest President López Obrador’s proposed reform to the judiciary, which was sent to the Congress on February 5 of the same year.
“From our end, there will be absolute respect for their strike, complete freedom,” stated the President during his morning press conference in the National Palace’s Treasury Hall.
However, López Obrador also pointed out that “legally, what they are doing, or are about to do, is illegal, but it is not our role to impose sanctions. That responsibility lies with the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF), meaning the judiciary itself. But even if it were up to us, the right to dissent and strike is guaranteed; we have no issue with that,” he explained.
The President argued that the strike was driven by “pure demagogy,” aiming to maintain privileges while sidelining the public. He noted that the judiciary serves a minority and said, “Most Mexicans won’t care [about the PJF strike]. I can tell you honestly and respectfully, it might even help us. If judges, magistrates, and ministers are not active, at least we are guaranteed that they won’t release organized crime offenders.”
He ensured that the strike wouldn’t result in the freedom of “white-collar criminals” either. López Obrador did express concern over a pending case involving 25 billion pesos, wishing it could be resolved. Nonetheless, he assured that “nothing significant will happen” due to the strike.
The President debunked claims that the executive branch aimed to control judges, asserting that any oversight would be enacted by the people. He emphasized that the proposed reform intends to ensure justice for all Mexicans, without catering to specific groups.
### Secondary Article: Concerns and Criticisms Mount Over Judiciary Strike
As the strike in the Federal Judiciary progresses, opinions remain polarized. Critics argue it poses a significant risk to the justice system and threatens the rule of law. Human rights organizations have voiced concerns, emphasizing that the suspension of court activities could delay critical cases, affecting vulnerable populations the most.
Moreover, business leaders fear that prolonged disruptions might negatively impact economic stability, discouraging investments. In contrast, several social groups have backed the President’s reform, advocating for a judiciary that is more transparent and accountable to the public rather than remaining a privileged institution.
Meanwhile, analysts suggest that the true impact of this strike will be closely observed by both national and international entities, potentially influencing Mexico’s legal and political landscape in the long term. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a balanced approach to reform that ensures fairness while retaining judicial independence.