### Subcomandante Marcos Critiques Judicial Reform; Compares AMLO to Past Mexican Presidents
Rafael Sebastián Guillén Vicente, popularly known as Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos—now called Subcomandante Galeano since May 25, 2014—is the spokesperson for the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN). On August 21, 2024, he sharply criticized President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), likening him to former presidents who ruled Mexico from 1964 to 2018, associated with the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the National Action Party (PAN).
In an article titled “El Viaje” published on the official website of the EZLN, Marcos insisted that the judicial reform proposed by the President was not about judicial autonomy, but rather about “who controls the business of buying and selling justice.”
“Chalco, over 30 years ago, was the emblematic jewel of Carlos Salinas de Gortari and his ‘Solidarity’ program, the intellectual and practical predecessor to today’s ‘Welfare’ programs. With the current predicament in that place, where is Salinas de Gortari to account for it? Will today’s subordinates be accountable for the foreseeable disasters resulting from their ‘Welfare’ megaprojects?” stated the EZLN spokesperson.
Marcos also criticized the treatment of those who oppose the system, citing the impunity in the murders of Samir Flores Soberanes and other environmental guardians. “The official outlook seeks not support but complicity,” he remarked.
He drew comparisons between AMLO and former Presidents, criticizing AMLO’s strategy as similar to Gustavo Díaz Ordaz’s authoritarianism, Luis Echeverría Álvarez’s hollow nationalism, and José López Portillo’s corrupt demagogy, among others. Marcos also pointed out that changes in administration do not lead to significant change, as they merely change the payrolls but maintain the same self-praising and lax governance styles.
Marcos concluded by criticizing the opposition’s strategies, stating that their real intention is to maximize the value of their decisions in the legislature rather than truly seeking power balance. He also criticized their past behaviors like lying and media abuse, suggesting that there is no substantial difference between the current and previous authorities.
In a related incident, President López Obrador posted a photograph from 1994 on social media, depicting him alongside Subcomandante Marcos and other Zapatista members, calling for unity and respect for the Zapatista movement.
Marcos’ criticisms have historical roots; the EZLN did not support López Obrador’s candidacies in 2006 and 2018 and always maintained a critical stance toward his policies.
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### Secondary Article: Judicial Reform Sparks Controversy in Mexico
The judicial reform proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has drawn significant criticism and sparked a national debate. The proposed changes aim to overhaul the judicial system, which López Obrador claims is riddled with corruption and inefficiency. However, critics argue that the reform is a power grab meant to centralize control over the judiciary.
Political analyst and human rights advocate, Ana María Salazar, expressed concerns that the reform could jeopardize judicial independence. “This reform poses a serious threat to the checks and balances that are fundamental to democracy. It appears more about consolidating power than improving the justice system,” Salazar commented in an interview.
Meanwhile, the opposition parties have come together to challenge the reform, warning that it could lead to increased human rights abuses and a lack of accountability. “The reform is dangerous and sets a precedent for authoritarian rule,” said Ricardo Anaya, a leading opposition figure.
On the other hand, supporters of the reform argue that changes are necessary to root out systemic corruption and make the judiciary more efficient. “The current system is flawed, and only significant reform can fix it,” said Senator Martí Batres, a member of López Obrador’s political party.
The debate over the judicial reform highlights broader concerns about governance and democracy in Mexico and continues to unfold in what promises to be a contentious legislative session.