**National News**
**Pérez Dayán’s Consistency Celebrated by Sheinbaum; Judges to Challenge Judicial Reform at Human Rights Commission**
On November 6, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum, the nation’s leader, hailed the decision by the Supreme Court of Justice to reject a controversial judicial reform proposal, characterizing it as a victory for rationality and sensibility. The reform had been challenged by opposition parties, including the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and the Citizen Movement (MC), and aimed to reshape the Federal Judicial Branch.
Sheinbaum expressed her satisfaction following the court’s decision, which she believes demonstrated that reason prevailed over unreason. The proposed changes would have altered the way judges and magistrates are elected, a process now scheduled for June 1, 2025.
The discussion turned critical when Sheinbaum accused the Supreme Court President, Norma Lucía Piña Hernández, of attempting an unconstitutional maneuver by trying to redefine the required majority from eight to six votes to declare the reform invalid. Sheinbaum praised Minister Alberto Pérez Dayán for his role in upholding the Constitution and rejecting the proposal.
Minister Pérez Dayán emphasized his duty to adhere to constitutional mandates, despite personal reservations about the reform content. Sheinbaum lauded this consistency, underlining that the ministers are bound by constitutional obligations.
However, the Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges (JUFED) expressed disappointment over the court’s decision to dismiss actions against the judicial reform. The association indicated plans to continue pursuing their opposition through international avenues, citing threats to judicial independence and democratic principles.
The discussion about judicial reforms continues as Sheinbaum pledges to implement additional, secondary reforms focused on specific judicial processes, with further legislative proposals on the horizon. Meanwhile, the JUFED plans to challenge the legislation before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
**Secondary Article**
**Judicial Independence Concerns Rise Amid Rejection of Reform Challenges**
In light of the recent Supreme Court decision, there is growing concern among judiciary members regarding potential threats to judicial independence. The reforms could consolidate power, a move seen by many as hazardous to the balance of governance.
The National Association of Magistrates and Judges continues to voice its discontent, underscoring that the recent constitutional interpretation may undermine the judiciary’s autonomy as a check on executive power.
A delegation led by Judge Juana Fuentes Velázquez is scheduled to present their case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) in Washington D.C. This move underscores the judiciary’s intent to defend its constitutional role on an international stage, highlighting a pivotal moment in Mexico’s ongoing battle between institutional autonomy and executive influence.