Mexican Supreme Court Halts Activities in Judicial Reform Showdown

Mexico's Supreme Court judges voted to halt activities ahead of a congressional debate on a controversial judicial reform. The proposal by outgoing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador seeks to elect over 7,000 judges by popular vote. This move has raised concerns with the U.S. and financial markets.

Mexico's Supreme Court has voted to suspend its activities, signaling a significant pause ahead of a crucial congressional debate on judicial reform.

In a decisive vote of eight to three, the Supreme Court judges opted to join the ongoing strike by thousands of judicial workers. The proposed reforms, championed by outgoing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and supported by President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, aim to elect over 7,000 judges and magistrates by popular vote.

The reform has exacerbated tensions with the United States and unsettled financial markets due to concerns over eliminating checks and balances and potential trade complications. As Mexico's lower house of Congress prepares to debate the reform, attention now shifts to the Senate for final approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)