## Judges Extend Indefinite Strike Against Judicial Reform; US Awaits Dialogue for Implementation
On September 17, 2024, the National Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges of the Federal Judiciary (JUFED) decided to extend their strike, which began on August 21 of the same year, until the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF) establishes a dialogue to ensure the labor rights of judicial workers.
In a statement, the civil association led by federal judge Juana Fuentes Velázquez declared that the suspension of activities would continue under the same terms, with focus on urgent cases.
“The extension will remain until the CJF sets up a working group with the Dialogue Committee [of JUFED] to define strategies necessary to protect the labor rights of those working in courts and tribunals,” the Association noted.
The Association emphasized that this decision would not prevent the JUFED from taking legal action against the reform or exercising their rights to assembly and free expression of ideas.
“The strike will continue until our demand is met, or the JUFED’s National and Regional Boards decide otherwise after consulting the Dialogue Committee,” added the National Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges of the Federal Judiciary.
On the same day, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed that the US government would seek dialogue with Mexico regarding the implementation of the judicial reform, given its importance for economic integration between the two countries.
Following the reform’s promulgation on September 15, 2024, by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the US Department of State acknowledged its enactment and supported criticisms previously made by US Ambassador to Mexico, Kenneth Lee Salazar, who warned that the direct election of judges proposed in the reform was not a favorable model.
“We support everything the ambassador said, and we will now engage in dialogue with our Mexican counterparts regarding the implementation of this law,” stated the US State Department spokesperson during a press briefing.
Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that there was no political tension following the reform, even though there was opposition. “There is no political tension. There is opposition, but that doesn’t mean tension; it is part of democratic normalcy,” she emphasized.
President López Obrador also mentioned that the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) had no jurisdiction to handle injunctions against the reform. “They have no authority; it’s as simple as that. It’s like if I, as the head of the Executive, issue an arrest order, which is not within my authority but that of a judge,” he remarked.
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) announced that it would not file an action of unconstitutionality against the reform, critiquing “partisan actors” for trying to pressure the Commission to challenge the reform. The CNDH highlighted that the reform was essential for transforming a system that had allowed delays in judicial processes hindering prompt and expedient justice.
### US-Mexico Judicial Reform Dialogue: A Critical Economic Integration Aspect
Following the Mexican judicial reform’s promulgation, the United States has emphasized the importance of maintaining an open dialogue to discuss its implementation. US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller affirmed that discussions with Mexican counterparts would be crucial.
The reform, criticized by key figures including US Ambassador to Mexico, Kenneth Lee Salazar, for proposing the direct election of judges, raises significant questions regarding its impact on judicial independence and the broader North American economic landscape.
Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and current President López Obrador have addressed the domestic and international scrutiny, ensuring that the reform process adheres strictly to constitutional provisions. The dialogue between the two nations is expected to focus on ensuring that the judicial changes do not disrupt economic relations while preserving judicial integrity and independence.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more updates on this developing story.