**Primary Article: Sheinbaum Defends Judicial Reform; Ensures No Control Over The SCJN; Greets Norma Piña, AMLO Does Not**
After taking the oath as the constitutional president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo defended the judicial reform, asserting that it would grant more autonomy to the Federal Judiciary (PJF). She clarified that if she had intended to control the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), she would have adopted a political tactic similar to that of Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León in 1994.
In her first address as the national leader, Sheinbaum explained that the reform, which proposes the election of judges, magistrates, and ministers through popular vote, aims to eradicate corruption in the PJF. “There will be the rule of law. The recent constitutional reform to the Judiciary, which proposes the election of judges, magistrates, and ministers by popular vote, means more autonomy and independence for the judiciary,” stated Sheinbaum Pardo.
Reflecting on the necessity of the reform, she emphasized, “If the objective had been to control the Supreme Court, we would have done it in the authoritarian style of Zedillo. No, we are democrats, not authoritarians.” She added that the reform process would involve a unique call for candidates, with a selection committee ensuring that all criteria are met, leaving the final decision in the hands of the people.
Reaffirming the democratic essence of the reform, she said, “How can authorizing a decision that is essentially democratic and allows the people to decide be considered authoritarian? I am confident that in a few years, we will all be convinced that this reform is the best course of action.”
She also assured that the salaries and rights of PJF workers would be “totally safeguarded.” All eleven ministers of the highest constitutional court attended the event at the Legislative Palace of San Lázaro, seated to the left of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Deputies.
Outgoing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador did not greet Minister Norma Lucía Piña Hernández, the president of the SCJN, but Claudia Sheinbaum did.
At 10:15 a.m. the same day, the National Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges of the PJF (JUFED) organized a march from the Monument to the Revolution to the Angel of Independence, with at least two thousand PJF workers and students protesting the judicial reform, according to the estimates by Mexico City Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC).
Chanting slogans like “Claudia, understand, justice defends you!”, “Claudia, understand, democracy is not for sale!” and “President, note, justice is not up for vote!” the demonstrators voiced their opposition. Students from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), and the Free School of Law joined them.
On September 30, 2024, with 832 votes in favor and 510 against, district judges and circuit magistrates decided to indefinitely continue the suspension of PJF operations. This strike, initiated on August 21, 2024, protests the judicial reform.
The National Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges announced the voting results, expressing hope for a dialogue with Sheinbaum’s administration. They stated, “This result shows our legitimate intention to engage in a real and respectful dialogue with the head of the Federal Executive and the Legislative branches, given that during the judicial reform’s processing, the judiciary representatives’ opinions were ignored, and their proposals belittled.”
The association highlighted that the change in political actors could facilitate a meaningful dialogue, prompting the voting to prolong the temporary suspension of activities, with only urgent cases attended to, pending a concrete dialogue date with both powers.
Although the results were uncertified by a notary public, efforts were made to secure one, without success from the Mexico City Notary College. The vote count was conducted by Juana Fuentes Velázquez, JUFED national director, and magistrates Fabricia Contreras Perales and Juan Alfonso Patiño Chávez, legal directors, at the Second Civil Collegiate Tribunal of the First Circuit, located in the San Lázaro Justice Palace.
Upon taking office, Sheinbaum emphasized the beginning of the “second phase” of the so-called “fourth transformation,” asserting that women would lead the country’s future.
“On June 2 this year, Mexicans democratically and peacefully declared it is time for transformation and women’s leadership. Today, October 1, 2024, marks the second phase of Mexico’s public life’s fourth transformation. After 200 years since the republic’s establishment and 300 years of colonial history, for the first time in at least 500 years, women are leading our beautiful nation’s destiny,” Sheinbaum concluded.
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**Secondary Article: Judicial Reform Draws Widespread Debate and Protests**
As Claudia Sheinbaum takes the helm as Mexico’s president, her proposed judicial reform has sparked a wave of public debate and intense protests. The reform, advocating for the popular election of judges, magistrates, and ministers, has polarized opinions across the country.
Proponents argue that this move will democratize the judiciary and curb corruption. “This reform places the power in the people’s hands, ensuring that the judiciary remains independent and accountable,” one supporter stated.
However, critics fear it could politicize the judiciary, compromising its impartiality. “The judiciary’s strength lies in its independence. Allowing popular votes could create biases and disrupt the balance of power,” warned a legal expert.
The protests speak volumes about the public’s divided stance on this issue. Thousands of workers and students marching in Mexico City highlighted the democratic concerns and fears regarding potential implications on judicial autonomy.
This pivotal moment in Mexico’s history raises crucial questions about balancing judicial independence with democratic involvement. As the nation watches closely, only time will tell whether Sheinbaum’s reform will achieve its intended goals or if it will face further resistance from within the legal community and beyond.