Mexican Senate Debates Contentious Judicial Reform Amid Protests and Allegations

Mexican senators debated a controversial judicial reform aimed at electing judges by popular vote and reducing required experience. The vote is expected to be narrow, with intense opposition protests and accusations of underhanded tactics. The reform, proposed by outgoing President Lopez Obrador, could impact the USMCA trade pact.

Mexican senators engaged in heated debate on Tuesday over a contentious judicial reform, following unsuccessful attempts by opposition lawmakers to delay discussions and accusations of underhand tactics from the ruling bloc.

The vote on the critical constitutional reform—set to overhaul the judiciary by choosing judges through popular elections and reducing the minimum experience required—was anticipated to be tight. The ruling coalition falls one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed.

Outside the Senate building, protesters blocked roads and waved Mexican flags, voicing their opposition to the reform that has seen widespread demonstrations. Concerns were heightened when opposition Senator Daniel Barreda was reportedly detained, raising suspicions of ruling bloc interference. However, ruling party leader Adan Augusto Lopez denied these allegations.

Speculation grew about PAN senator Miguel Angel Yunes switching allegiance to support the reform, further polarizing the Senate debate. Yunes requested medical leave, leaving his father to act as his substitute amid boos from opposition lawmakers. The contentious reform, a primary agenda of President Lopez Obrador and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to elect over 6,500 judges and magistrates, including Supreme Court justices, to increase accountability and reduce corruption.

However, major trading partners like the United States and Canada have expressed concerns, warning that the reforms could jeopardize the USMCA trade agreement and impact foreign investment.

(With inputs from agencies.)