**Federal Deputies Approve Judicial Reform in Alternate Session**
In an alternate venue, located in the Sala de Armas of the Magdalena Mixhuca Sports Unit in the Iztacalco district, the Plenary of the LXVI Legislature of the Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of the Union approved, at 4:24 am on September 4, 2024, the constitutional reform to the Federal Judiciary (PJF).
The 359 votes in favor were cast by members of the parliamentary groups of the Morena party, the Green Ecologist Party (PVEM), and the Labor Party (PT). Meanwhile, the 135 votes against were from members of the National Action Party (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Citizen Movement, and Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).
The discussion continued with over 610 specific reservations presented by the opposition. Once the bill is approved, it will be sent to the Senate for further review, discussion, and possible approval first in committees and then in the Plenary. After this, it will be sent to the President for publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).
Opposition deputies accused various “illegalities” in the session, such as the alleged lack of a quorum to discuss the judicial reform. However, the Directing Board of the Chamber of Deputies, chaired by Sergio Carlos Gutiérrez Luna, refused to verify this, stating visually that there was the necessary number of legislators to approve the initiative.
PAN group members called for “resistance,” wearing T-shirts and holding banners to express their disapproval of the Federal Judicial reform.
Ricardo Monreal Ávila, coordinator of the Morena group in the Lower House, defended the reform, asserting that it wouldn’t affect workers’ rights and that Mexico was building a justice system to serve as “an example to the world.” He criticized what he called a “dictatorship of the robe and cap.”
Earlier, dozens of law students from various universities protested by blocking the Río de la Piedad Viaduct near the Sala de Armas, demanding that deputies consider their objections to the proposed reform sent by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on February 5, 2024. Despite their chants and demands, the students left around 7:00 pm on September 3, 2024.
Subsequently, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum interrupted her three-day vacation to reiterate her support for the judicial reform, claiming that it wouldn’t harm Mexico’s commercial relations or private investments.
“Democracy is derived from ‘demos’ meaning ‘people,’ and ‘krátos,’ meaning ‘power.’ Abraham Lincoln described democracy as ‘government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ Elected leaders reflect the people’s will; thus, having judges chosen by the people strengthens democracy, not authoritarianism,” she wrote on her social media account.
She urged people to consult the minute of the Constitutional Points Commission’s reform proposal, promising more democracy, justice, and freedom. She assured that the judicial reform would enhance the state of law and democracy in Mexico.
Earlier, Patricia Aguayo Bernal, secretary of the Tenth Collegiate Tribunal on Labor Matters and spokesperson for Federal Judicial Power workers, requested Sheinbaum to remain open to dialogue to avoid a nation in turmoil.
### Additional Coverage on the Judicial Reform:
**Judicial Reform Risks Straining US-Mexico Relations**
Ken Salazar, the United States ambassador to Mexico, expressed concerns that improperly executed judicial reform could damage bilateral relations between the two nations. Emphasizing the importance of a robust rule of law for trade and investment, Salazar suggested that any changes to the judiciary be approached with caution to preserve the positive collaboration between the countries.
**Public Protest Over Judicial Changes**
In Tijuana, residents manifested their concerns over the judicial reform. Groups clashed with law enforcement, demanding transparency and participation in the decision-making process. These public displays of dissent reflect a growing unrest among citizens about potential overreach and lack of representation in legislative decisions.
**Business and Investment Concerns**
National and international business communities have voiced worries that the judicial reform could negatively impact investment climates. Representatives argue that a non-autonomous judiciary might deter investors wary of potential shifts in legal impartiality and stability.
Stay informed on TJGringo.com for more updates and insights on this critical issue.