**Primary Article:**
### Mexican Legislators Approve Judicial Reform, Heads to Senate; President Celebrates
After a marathon 17-hour session held at an alternate location in Magdalena Mixhuca, the LXVI Legislature of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved the constitutional reform to the Federal Judicial Branch (PJF) in particular. The vote, held around 9:30 AM on September 4, 2024, saw 357 votes in favor from the Morena, Green Party (PVEM), and Labor Party (PT) members, collectively known as the “fourth transformation” or “4T.” The opposition, composed of the National Action Party (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Citizen Movement, and Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), cast 130 votes against the reform.
The extensive debate included over 610 reservations presented by the opposition. Following its approval, the bill will be sent to the Senate for further consideration, where it will first be reviewed by committees and then discussed and possibly approved by the full Senate.
As a constitutional amendment, if it progresses through the Senate, it will need the endorsement of 32 state legislatures, with at least two-thirds approval required. Once achieved, it will be sent to the President for publication in the Official Gazette.
“Approved in general and specific terms with accepted modifications by the Assembly with 357 votes, the decree project that reforms, adds, and repeals various provisions of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States regarding Judicial Reform will be sent to the Senate for constitutional effects,” stated Sergio Carlos Gutiérrez Luna, Vice President of the Directive Board of San Lázaro.
The Political Coordination Boards (JUCOPO) of both Congressional chambers, representing all parliamentary groups, agreed to debate and vote on the judicial reform in one continuous session. The Senate’s plan entails immediately diverting the bill to the relevant committees for further examination and approval in the event of force majeure requiring an alternate session location.
In the Senate, Morena members Ernestina Godoy Ramos and Minerva Citlalli Hernández Mora were chosen as presidents of the Constitutional Points and Legislative Studies Committees, respectively, on September 3, 2024. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has named Godoy Ramos and Hernández Mora as future heads of the Federal Executive’s Legal Counsel Office and the newly created Women’s Secretariat in the potential administration beginning October 1, 2024.
José Gerardo Rodolfo Fernández Noroña, President of the Senate’s Directive Board, called for a plenary session on September 5, 2024, in anticipation of receiving the bill from San Lázaro.
Following the successful passage of the reform in the Chamber of Deputies, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed his approval. “This is excellent news, passing already to the Senate, 357 against 130. We needed 334. Very well,” he said during his morning press conference at the National Palace.
Morena’s National Executive Committee President, Mario MartÃn Delgado Carrillo, also celebrated the deputies’ success. “With the approval of the #JudicialReform by a #QualifiedMajority in the Chamber of Deputies, a significant step is taken towards realizing the people’s justice aspirations. While the opposition serves the high spheres of the #JudicialBranch, our deputies fulfill their promise and represent the #MajorityOfThePeople. Many congratulations to the #4T Deputies. You are making history!” he stated on social media.
**Secondary Article:**
**Senate Poised to Review Controversial Judicial Reform Amid Protests**
The impending Senate review of the judicial reform has sparked significant debate and public demonstrations. Various groups, including members of the judiciary and civil rights organizations, argue that the changes could undermine judicial independence. The reform proposes altering key aspects of the Federal Judicial Branch (PJF), which has been a contentious issue among political parties and civil society.
A rallying cry for opponents is the expectation of increased government influence over the judiciary. Critics fear that the reform might erode checks and balances, giving the executive branch more control and potentially compromising the fair administration of justice.
“I am deeply concerned about the implications of this reform,” said a senior judge who preferred to remain anonymous. “It’s vital for our democratic integrity that the judiciary remains impartial and free from political influence.”
Supporters of the reform argue it is necessary to combat corruption and enhance efficiency within the judicial system. They emphasize that the changes aim to streamline processes and ensure justice is delivered more swiftly and fairly.
As the bill heads to the Senate, the discussion is expected to be rigorous. Both proponents and detractors are preparing for intense debates, with the outcome potentially shaping the future of Mexico’s judicial landscape for generations to come.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for updates as this critical situation develops.