## Former Governor Faces Accusations and Tensions in Veracruz
In a heated confrontation, Miguel Ángel Yunes Linares, the former governor of Veracruz, was called a “traitor” by a group of individuals, purportedly workers of the Federal Judicial Power, who also threw coins at him. The incident occurred on October 14, 2024, as Yunes Linares was leaving a restaurant in Veracruz with his family and colleagues.
The demonstrators accused Yunes Linares of selling out to a dictator, an accusation likely tied to his and his son’s recent political maneuvers. The protestors carried a banner displaying photos of Yunes Linares and his son, Miguel Ángel Yunes Márquez, with a caption claiming they had betrayed the nation.
Despite Yunes Linares’s attempts to engage in dialogue with the protesters, they remained hostile, repeating their accusations as he retreated to his vehicle.
The controversy stems from Yunes Márquez’s recent political siding, which went against his initial stance. On September 18, 2024, he met with President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum after controversially voting in favor of a reform to the Judicial Power of the Federation (PJF). This move was against his prior commitment to oppose it, leading to his expulsion from the National Action Party (PAN) along with his father by the party’s Executive National Committee on September 11, 2024.
The reform, proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, was approved with the critical vote from Yunes Márquez. This decision has sparked fierce debate and backlash from his former party members, who view it as a betrayal.
Yunes Márquez defended his choice on social media, emphasizing his hopes for Sheinbaum’s success as the first female President of Mexico. Meanwhile, Sheinbaum denied any undue pressure or threats influenced his decision, suggesting that history would recognize his actions.
Political figures, including the president and leaders from various parties, have denied allegations of any clandestine arrangements to secure Yunes Márquez’s crucial vote. Despite ongoing criticism, Yunes Márquez maintains that his decision was well-considered, emphasizing his alignment with the reform.
### Related Developments in Judicial Reforms
As political tensions continue to swirl around Miguel Ángel Yunes and his son, the broader context of Mexican judicial reform remains a significant point of discussion both domestically and internationally. The controversial reform of the PJF has drawn widespread attention, with reactions evolving as the legislative process unfolds.
On the same day as Yunes Linares faced protests, the judicial reform was also met with opposition in other quarters of the country, including street demonstrations blocking traffic to defend judicial workers’ rights. Additionally, concerns over the reform’s implications have been voiced by international observers, such as a representative of U.S. trade.
The reform’s passage through the Mexican Senate, supported primarily by the ruling “Fourth Transformation” coalition, has provoked both praise and criticism. Supporters argue it represents a necessary step toward enhancing judiciary efficiency and accountability, while critics fear it could undermine the courts’ independence.
The situation surrounding the Yunes family highlights the complex intersection of local and national political dynamics in Mexico, as key reforms challenge entrenched norms and provoke intense public and political reactions. The unfolding political landscape continues to be watched closely, both within Mexico and beyond its borders.