**Primary Article**
**”No Going Back on Judicial Reform”: Claudia Sheinbaum Declares; AMLO Urges Supreme Court Not to Hinder Debate**
On September 6, 2024, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) urged the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) to act with prudence following the initiation of a consultation by Chief Justice Norma Lucía Piña Hernández. The consultation sought to determine whether the SCJN could halt the proposed judicial reform for the Federal Judiciary (PJF).
During a morning press conference at the National Palace, President AMLO called on the 128 senators to act independently and prioritize the interests of the nation over personal or partisan interests. “There is a lot of pressure. I urge the senators, with respect, to act independently, with freedom, and prioritize the nation’s interests over personal or partisan interests,” President AMLO remarked.
The President also criticized businessman Claudio X. González Guajardo, accusing him of being behind the efforts to block the reform. “It is not in Mexico’s interest to maintain a judiciary submissive to crime. The judiciary is corrupt and fails to serve justice for the Mexican people; it is captive, serving organized and white-collar crime,” he emphasized.
Nevertheless, AMLO dismissed the possibility that the SCJN’s consultation could effectively halt the discussions on the judicial reform. “There is no constitutional basis to stop the discussion of the PJF reform; it would be an arbitrary action affecting public life and a true rule of law. This would be akin to opting for the law of the jungle,” he asserted.
President AMLO further explained that the executive and legislative branches are the appropriate authorities to handle constitutional reforms, as per the Constitution. “The judiciary has no authority to decide on constitutional reforms. Such an act would be an improper interference,” he stated.
One day earlier, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President-elect, reiterated that reversing the judicial reform was not viable. “The Senate must convene as it is doing,” she said, referring to the senators debating the bill approved by the Chamber of Deputies.
Sheinbaum questioned how a few individuals could overturn the will of the Mexican people and the vote on June 2, arguing it would be illegal. She also downplayed the impact of a ruling by Judge Martha Eugenia Magaña López, who had ordered the Congress not to forward the judicial reform to state legislatures.
“There’s no legal basis for stopping the reform; it is the deputies and senators who must decide. According to the Constitution, sovereignty resides in the people. The constituent body, which is two-thirds of the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, and corresponding majorities in local congresses, has the authority to amend the Constitution,” Sheinbaum added.
Regarding whether the SCJN judges might feel desperate about the imminent reform, Sheinbaum responded, “I don’t know if they’re desperate. They oppose it, but this is the will of the people.”
When questioned about the coalition between Morena and its allies (PVEM and PT) needing one more vote to obtain a qualified majority to pass the reform, Sheinbaum simply stated that the issue would be resolved by the senators. “There’s no turning back on the reform. It is the will of the Mexican people, and no one should worry; having judges, ministers, and magistrates elected by the people is better for Mexico,” she assured.
“Elections mean more democracy and judicial independence. The selection process will be through a broad call for candidates, which is the best course for the country,” she concluded.
**Secondary Article**
**Supreme Court Discussions on Judicial Reform Intensify**
In related news, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) continues to face intense pressure regarding the potential judicial reform. Critics argue that the reform aims to undermine judicial independence by making judges, magistrates, and ministers subject to election. Proponents, however, advocate that this will bring greater accountability and transparency to the judiciary.
A notable moment in this ongoing debate occurred when opposition senators presented a proposal to overturn the draft of the judicial reform. This proposal was met with resistance from majority senators affiliated with Morena and its allies, emphasizing that the reform has already been approved by the lower chamber and reflects the will of the people as expressed in the last election.
Public opinion remains divided as protests and rallies erupt across the country. Demonstrators supporting the reform believe it will cleanse the judiciary of corruption, while opponents fear it will politicize judicial processes and compromise judicial integrity.
The SCJN is expected to release a detailed opinion soon, which may shape the final course of the judicial reform debate in the coming weeks. As the situation evolves, all eyes remain on Mexico’s highest court, which holds the power to influence significant changes in the nation’s judicial landscape.