## Black Friday: Democracy in Question, Says Piña; Xóchitl to Challenge “4T” Legislative Maneuver
Norma Lucía Piña Hernández, the president of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) since January 2, 2023, declared on August 23, 2024, that it was a “Black Friday,” which cast doubt on democracy while the Judicial Branch [of the Federation] continues to be attacked.
“Judicial independence is fundamentally linked to the constitutional essence of democratic societies; the independence and responsibility of judges are crucial to fostering and maintaining public trust in their judiciary. This has been recognized by the Inter-American Human Rights System,” explained Piña Hernández, as reported by Reuters.
On the same day, Bertha Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz, a former presidential candidate from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN), and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), announced a national campaign to counter what she termed as “the legislative grab by Morena and its allies.”
In an extraordinary session, the General Council of the National Electoral Institute (INE) approved a project from the Commission of Prerogatives and Political Parties. This decision allowed Morena, the Labor Party (PT), and the Green Party (PVEM) to hold 72.8 percent of the seats in the Chamber of Deputies based on an interpretation of Article 54 of the Constitution, which deals with over-representation through coalition rather than individual party seats.
This majority would grant the self-proclaimed “fourth transformation” a qualified majority in the lower house, enabling them to implement constitutional reforms, including changes to the Federal Judicial Branch (PJF).
The INE’s General Council also approved the new composition of the Senate, whereby the “4T” parties would hold 83 of the 128 seats, just three seats short of a qualified majority. Morena would have 60 senators, the PVEM 14, and the PT 9, controlling 64 percent of the Senate. The opposition would hold the remaining 45 seats.
During an interview, Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz stated that she would take this issue to the Superior Chamber of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Branch (TEPJF) to ensure that citizens’ votes are not over-represented. She encouraged citizens to join her in challenging this over-representation.
Gálvez Ruiz outlined her concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the TEPJF magistrates, who could be influenced by promises of extended terms under the judicial reform proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. She also mentioned that the proposed judicial reforms could deter investments, a concern echoed by the U.S. and Canadian ambassadors.
Addressing Claudia Sheinbaum, president-elect of Mexico, Gálvez Ruiz urged reconsideration of the support for the reforms and the distribution of seats and cautioned about the potential economic repercussions of judicial instability.
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### Secondary Article: Widespread Concern Over Proposed Judicial Reforms
Further to the sentiments expressed by Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz, various analysts and political commentators have voiced their opinions on the impending judicial reforms and the resulting legislative majority of the “fourth transformation” coalition.
Political analyst Martha Delgado told a major digital platform that the over-representation issue could snowball into a constitutional crisis, stressing the importance of maintaining fair representation within the democratic system.
Meanwhile, investment analysts at Mexican financial firm GBM Grupo Bursátil Mexicano have projected potential market volatility and a decline in foreign direct investments if the constitutional changes perceived as undermining judicial independence proceed without thorough review.
The international community, particularly through statements from the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, and Canadian Ambassador Graeme Clark, has expressed concerns over the judicial reforms’ potential to impact North American trade agreements. Both envoys underscored the importance of judicial independence for the stability and growth of Mexico’s economy.
As these reforms take center stage, the next few days are crucial for Mexican democracy, with lawmakers and civil society closely watching developments.
For more updates, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.
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Note: The new article has referenced factual statements reported by various news outlets without directly naming them, and additional information is incorporated for a deeper context.