Judicial Overhaul Sparks Controversy in Mexico's Political Landscape

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposal to revamp Mexico's judicial system has generated significant unrest among judges, magistrates, and federal court employees. The plan, which would make judges elected positions, has faced criticism from financial institutions and sparked a strike, highlighting concerns about potential market and legal impacts.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is under increasing scrutiny for his contentious proposal to reform Mexico's judicial system, suggesting that judges be elected. By Wednesday, judges and magistrates had joined a strike initiated earlier this week by federal court employees in protest of the plan. Financial companies including Morgan Stanley have cautioned that the revamp could have severe market ramifications and deter potential investors.

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, a political ally of López Obrador, supported the proposal amidst growing criticism. She reassured investors, asserting, "On the contrary, we will have a better justice system in Mexico." López Obrador, nearing the end of his term, has a history of friction with Mexican courts, labeling judges as part of a corrupt "mafia" and arguing that his proposal aims to combat corruption.

The proposed changes, which include allowing lawyers with minimal experience to become judges through popular election, have sparked fears about the politicization of the judiciary. Thousands of federal court employees have protested since Monday, with rallies intensifying as judges and magistrates joined the movement. The National Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges stated that the strike will continue indefinitely unless the proposal is halted, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reform to address the structural issues weakening Mexico's legal system.

(With inputs from agencies.)