Mexican Supreme Shakeup: Justice Rios Resigns Amid Judicial Reform Controversy

Justice Margarita Rios of Mexico's Supreme Court announced her resignation effective next August, following a controversial reform requiring judges to be elected by popular vote. This marks the third resignation within two days, heightening tensions and risking a constitutional crisis between the judiciary and Mexico's ruling bloc.

MEXICO CITY – In a surprising move, Mexican Supreme Court Justice Margarita Rios announced her intention to step down next August. The decision was communicated in a letter addressed to the Senate on Wednesday.

This marks the third resignation among Mexico's top jurists in just two days, following a sweeping constitutional reform enacted last month. The reform mandates all judicial figures be elected by popular vote, a clause that has sparked tension between the Supreme Court and the ruling political bloc, raising the specter of a constitutional crisis.

The reform requires current judges to resign ahead of the upcoming June election unless they wish to participate in the electoral process and forfeit their pensions. In her letter, Rios emphasized that her compliance does not equate to an endorsement of the contentious framework. The reform is set to reduce Mexico's 11-member Supreme Court down to nine, with only three justices offering public support.

(With inputs from agencies.)