# Thousands Rally For and Against Judicial Reform; Catholic Church Criticizes ‘4th Transformation’ Rush
Thousands of people took to the streets to express their views on the proposed judicial reform backed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The demonstrators were divided into two camps: those opposing the reform, clad predominantly in white and referred to as the “pink tide,” and those supporting the initiative, dressed mainly in black, and affiliated with Morena and its allies from the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM) and the Labor Party (PT).
Among the reform opponents were federal judiciary employees, law students, and members of over 200 NGOs. Patricia Aguayo Bernal, the secretary of the Tenth Collegiate Labor Tribunal and spokesperson for the judiciary’s rank-and-file workers, expressed her confidence in the opposition senators’ commitment to vote against what she labeled a “regressive” reform. She placed her hopes in the 43 opposing senators from the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and the Citizens’ Movement (MC).
In contrast, supporters of the judicial reform gathered at the back of the Senate, displaying banners that were later removed by the opposition marchers. The incidents occurred as the anti-reform group marched from the Angel of Independence to the Senate building.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the Archdiocese of Mexico, led by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, published an editorial questioning the urgency of passing the judicial reform. The editorial cited the need for wisdom and prudence, as exemplified by King Solomon, and urged legislators to avoid hurried decisions. The Archdiocese argued that true justice requires careful listening and dialogue, which they felt had been overlooked.
The Catholic Church emphasized that an effective judicial reform should focus on a comprehensive overhaul of the entire system, rather than quick fixes. They called upon newly elected legislators to exercise wisdom and caution, reflecting the values of patience and thorough deliberation.
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## Secondary Article
### Growing Division Over Judicial Reform
The controversy surrounding the judicial reform has drawn wide attention, with various segments of society voicing their concerns and support. Legal experts, political analysts, and even international observers have weighed in on the impact of the proposed changes.
**Support for Reform**
According to recent statements from Morena leaders, the judicial reform aims to enhance efficiency and reduce corruption within the judiciary. Proponents argue that the changes are essential to making the judicial system more responsive and accountable to the public.
**Opposition Voices**
However, critics contend that the reform could undermine judicial independence and concentrate power in the executive branch. They highlight the importance of maintaining checks and balances within the government structure.
**Global Perspective**
International human rights organizations have also expressed concerns about the potential implications of the reform on Mexico’s adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.
**Future Steps**
As debates continue in the Senate, both sides are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard. Upcoming sessions are expected to be contentious, with significant political maneuvering on both sides.
**Public Sentiment**
Public opinion remains divided, with social media campaigns and local community meetings reflecting the polarized nature of the issue. Many Mexicans are calling for more transparency and citizen participation in the decision-making process.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the judicial reform and its long-term impact on Mexico’s legal system and democratic institutions.