Key Takeaways:
– Outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador pushes for a radical constitutional change that changes Mexico’s judiciary system.
– The proposal has sparked widespread protests and criticism from various communities and even caused a plunge in the peso rate.
– Despite opposition, Morena party’s control over Congress may pave way for the constitutional changes.
– Critics warn that the changes would increase corruption and reduce checks and balances in the judicial system.
– The proposed changes are seen as an existential crisis, contrary to the rule of law.
Criticism Over López Obrador’s Proposal
With less than three weeks to conclude his presidency, Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador has not taken a step back and basked in his achievements but instead decided to reckon with issues facing the Mexican judiciary system. For his final act in office, he is pushing for a controversial constitutional change which could tip the country into a turmoil. The proposed change essentially deals with making every judge in Mexico, including Supreme Court members, stand for election. This has led critics to slam him for disobeying democratic principles and creating a system that is increasingly favourable to corruption and cronyism.
Clashes Over Judicial Reform
The president’s plan has been combated with opposition from various sectors, including the business community, top trading partners, and legal professionals. This has led to numerous judges and court employees across the nation to protest against the changes, and as a result, the peso has plunged to its lowest level against the dollar in nearly two years. Furthermore, daily marches have filled Mexican streets, with protesters arguing that such changes are a significant threat to democratic checks and balances potentially leading to the stacking of courts with judges pledging loyalty to the ruling party.
Possible Impact on Incoming Administration
Some of López Obrador’s supporters warn that the proposed changes could place his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, in a difficult position, potentially jeopardizing López Obrador’s legacy as a champion for the poor. Sheinbaum, who was elected in a landslide three months ago, will now inherit these political and economic challenges. According to Carlos Pérez Ricart, a professor of international relations, Sheinbaum will spend her crucial first months in office implementing the drastic changes and managing the uncertainties among investors.
In Search for Equality
Despite the criticism, López Obrador upholds the proposal as a key to achieving a more equal Mexico. He purported that the current judges serve the interests of economic elites and advocates for future judges to be elected directly by the public. In an attempt to convince the government to act without any checks and balances, he portrays the proponents of foreign companies as corrupt by stating they continue to loot the Mexican economy.
Possible Outcome
While less than half of Mexicans support the overhaul and many don’t understand the proposal’s details, López Obrador still enjoys significant backing. His Morena party’s control over both chambers of Congress could bring the proposed constitutional change within reach. However, the ramifications of this proposal, if approved, could dramatically impact Mexico’s political, economic, and judicial landscapes.