**Sheinbaum Excludes Supreme Court President from Constitution Anniversary Event**
Claudia Sheinbaum, the head of the Federal Executive Branch, confirmed on February 4, 2025, that Norma Lucía Piña Hernández, President of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) and the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF), was not invited to the 107th-anniversary celebration of the Constitution of 1917. This event was scheduled to take place the following day at the Theatre of the Republic in Querétaro, Mexico.
During a morning press conference, Sheinbaum openly stated that Piña Hernández and the Supreme Court representatives were not invited to the ceremony. When questioned about the reasoning, Sheinbaum emphasized the absence of reciprocity in respect between the Court and the Executive and Legislative branches. “It’s a mutual respect relationship,” she noted, adding that “the Court has not shown respect.”
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, former President of Mexico, expressed his pride when Piña Hernández remained seated during his arrival at a similar ceremony the previous year, marking it as a sign of the separation of powers. A spirited debate followed about the independence of judiciary powers and protocol adherence during official ceremonies.
Coordinating the government’s social communications, Jesús Ramírez Cuevas highlighted perceptions of a lack of respect for not standing during the ceremony, sharing images on social media that sparked further discussion. Piña Hernández, in her speech at that event, had advocated for judicial independence as vital to democracy and the rule of law.
Other political figures like Lorenzo Córdova of the National Electoral Institute praised Piña’s stance for judicial independence, while some, like the governor of Oaxaca, criticized her actions as disrespectful. Felipe Calderón, a former president, commented on the seating arrangement during these events, arguing it showed a lack of respect towards representatives of judicial and legislative powers.
**Additional Coverage**
A key element to this controversy is the ongoing tension between Mexico’s executive and judicial branches. Recent reports suggest that political analysts view these exclusions as indicative of broader political strategies within the current administration. The strain is further intensified by looming constitutional reform discussions, particularly those addressing judiciary independence and executive power dynamics.
This scenario underscores a critical time for Mexican politics, where power balances are continually re-evaluated, especially regarding constitutional interpretations and legislative priorities. As the 2025 election cycle gears up, these issues are expected to dominate political debates, likely influencing both public opinion and future political alignments.