## AMLO Suggests Electing Councilors and Trustees Through Popular Vote
In a significant move to enhance democratic processes at the municipal level, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, popularly known as AMLO, has proposed a potential reform for the election of councilors and trustees. Currently, these officials are elected through a proportional representation system, but AMLO suggests they should instead be chosen through direct popular vote.
During his morning press conference, the president pondered the benefits of subjecting council members across the country’s 2,446 municipalities to the popular vote. This idea aims to increase the democratic engagement and representation of the local populace.
A reporter raised the question, asking if the public shouldn’t have the opportunity to elect councilors and trustees directly. AMLO responded affirmatively, indicating that such reforms could be viable and merely need proper consideration and debate.
“Wouldn’t it be necessary to open the debate so that the people can elect trustees and councilors?” the reporter inquired. AMLO answered, “They are already elected,” referencing the current system. However, the reporter clarified that the question pertained to direct elections. AMLO acknowledged, “Yes, it could be done. These are reforms that could be carried out and have yet to be addressed.”
Beyond proposing changes in local governance, AMLO also condemned the long-term impacts of the neoliberal period in Mexico, which he described as a significant regression. “We need to review the reforms for councilors and trustees, among many other issues. The neoliberal period caused profound damage during its 36-year span,” he stated.
In another statement, President López Obrador requested that the Congress of Oaxaca refrain from inscribing his government’s slogan, “For the good of all, the poor first,” in gold letters in the statehouse. He recommended a phrase by Benito Juárez instead, showing respect for historical social leaders over contemporary political figures.
Read more: A female figure shines at the Palenque 2024.
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### Secondary Article: Calls for Judicial Reform Faces Criticism from AMLO
Further discussions around national governance saw AMLO criticize certain judges who are attempting to halt judicial reforms currently under review in Congress. AMLO emphasized the importance of progressing with these reforms to strengthen Mexico’s legal system.
The president’s remarks came during his regular press briefing, where he pointed out that these judicial reforms are essential for ensuring justice and transparency within the government. Despite opposition from some judicial sectors, AMLO remains committed to pushing forward with these changes.
Additionally, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) reported a notable increase in employment, with 737,000 more people employed in Mexico during the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year. This positive development underscores ongoing economic recovery efforts in the country.
Check also: 737 thousand more people employed in Mexico in Q2 2023, reports INEGI.
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