**It’s a “Lie” that Judge Elections Will Cost More Than Presidential Elections: Leonel Godoy**
In a recent statement, Deputy Leonel Godoy Rangel from the political party Morena refuted claims that the upcoming elections for judges, magistrates, and ministers scheduled for June 1, 2025, will surpass the costs of the presidential elections. Despite the National Electoral Institute (INE) potentially approving a nearly 13 billion peso budget for the judicial elections, Godoy Rangel insists that these figures are speculative.
During his visit to Tijuana, Godoy Rangel remarked that the projected cost of 12.936 billion pesos—posed as potentially the most expensive in the country’s electoral history—was exaggerated. He stated that a “serious” projection he is aware of places the cost at just over 6 billion pesos. By comparison, this year’s federal presidential, congressional, and senatorial elections amounted to slightly more than 8 billion pesos.
The first extraordinary session of the Temporary Budget Commission 2025 is scheduled for October 26, where the global budget of over 40 billion pesos, requested by the INE from the Chamber of Deputies, will be discussed. The project prominently features the nearly 13 billion pesos for the judicial election, alongside allocations of 4.620 billion for a public consultation and 7.354 billion for party financing.
In an interview, Godoy Rangel labeled the ongoing strike by the judiciary workers, including judges, magistrates, and ministers, as illegal, arguing that they are not workers but employers and that all worker rights remain intact. He noted, “Judges, magistrates, and ministers who do not participate in the election are guaranteed their benefits,” suggesting that the strike was politically motivated rather than based on justified demands.
Godoy Rangel expressed optimism about the judicial reform, anticipating it will bring more efficient and impartial justice at a lower cost to Mexican citizens, even as the system continues to develop. He mentioned that the elections on the first Sunday of June 2025 might raise issues that would need ongoing review in subsequent elections.
Additionally, he mentioned upcoming discussions in the Commission of Constitutional Points on a proposal from the Senate to amend Articles 105 and 107 of the Constitution. These amendments would pertain to constitutional controversies and injunction actions and prohibit judges from intervening in constitutional reform matters.
The discussion around the initiative to dissolve nine autonomous bodies, including the INAI, is currently suspended, pending a careful review of these entities.
**Additional News: High Stakes in Mexico’s 2025 Elections**
In recent developments surrounding Mexico’s 2025 electoral preparations, debate continues over the budget set by the National Electoral Institute (INE) for various electoral events. With the INE proposing a budget exceeding 40 billion pesos for the upcoming year, a significant focus has been on the judicial elections, which are slated for the first time to allow the electorate to select judges, magistrates, and ministers directly.
The unprecedented nature of these elections has sparked discussions on the cost implications and potential impact on the judicial system, with some experts citing opportunities for a more democratic justice system. However, critics remain concerned about the financial burden and the challenges of establishing a thoroughly transparent and impartial voting process.
Controversy also surrounds the budget allocation of over 4 billion pesos for a national public consultation, intended to foster citizen involvement in key decision-making processes. This initiative is part of broader efforts to increase civic participation in government affairs.
As Mexico navigates the development of this landmark electoral process, stakeholders continue to debate the fiscal, logistical, and political dimensions of these transformative steps toward more significant judicial accountability and citizen engagement in governance.