Mexico's Bold Judicial Reforms

Why the U.S. Is Nervous

In the last few months, a political shake-up has been happening in Mexico, and it's causing issues on both sides of the border. Mexico’s ruling party, Morena, secured a supermajority in Congress following the June 2023 elections. With this new power, the Mexican government is wasting no time in pushing forward a series of “progressive constitutional reforms”, currently referred to as “Plan C.”
The problem Is, the reforms have sparked concerns in D.C.

But what exactly are these reforms, and why are they making American officials so uneasy?
Here are my thoughts…

What Are Mexico’s Reforms Trying to Accomplish?

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and his incoming successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, the Morena government’s Plan C consists of multiple changes to Mexico’s judiciary, economy, and social structures. The reforms are designed to dismantle longstanding corruption, empower marginalized communities, and curb corporate power, particularly that of multinational companies with interests in Mexico. The most controversial of these proposals is the judicial reform, which aims to fundamentally reshape Mexico’s legal system.

1. Judicial Reform:

Mexico’s judicial reform plans to break the grip of corporate interests and the wealthy elite on the country’s legal system. Traditionally, judges in Mexico have been appointed based on their qualifications, but critics argue that this process has long been controlled by a small, powerful circle that caters to the interests of the rich, both within Mexico and abroad.

• Electing Judges: In an effort to democratize the judiciary, Mexico’s new system would allow judges to be elected by the people, rather than appointed. This move is intended to make the judiciary more accountable and reflective of public interests.

• Reducing Term Limits: Supreme Court justices, who currently have longer terms, would see their tenure capped at 12 years. The hope is that this would prevent the entrenchment of political and corporate favoritism among high-ranking judges.

• Disciplinary Tribunal: This tribunal would have the power to investigate and punish corrupt judges, making it easier to hold judicial officials accountable for misconduct in a country where the legal system is often marred by delays, bribes, and corrupt influencers.

• Stopping Judicial Perks: This isaimed at reducing salaries, vacations, and other benefits that judges have.

For most citizens, the reforms seem to be for the best. But here are some of the other noticeable changes on the table

• Ban Fracking and Open-Pit Mining

• Increase Worker Protections

• Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Rights

So Why Is The American Government Upset?

The short answer: money and control.

For decades, U.S. multinational corporations have benefited from its relationship with Mexico. Mining, energy, and other large-scale industries rely on the legal system to push through projects that are often damaging to the environment and harmful to local communities. With the judiciary in their pocket, these companies have been able to block progressive legislation, secure injunctions, and keep the status quo firmly in place.

Changes to the Judicial System might undermine American interest.

• The judicial reforms would make it harder for U.S. corporations to use Mexico’s legal system to their advantage. For instance, in the past, as soon as the Mexican government tried to pass energy reforms, corporations were quick to secure injunctions through the courts, freezing any progress.

• If Mexico successfully implements these reforms, it could inspire other countries in Latin America to do the same. A democratic judiciary that challenges corporate power could become a blueprint for other nations, which frankly, scares the U.S.

AMLO’s Response

Its well known that AMLO has been a long time critic of the United States He has also made it clear that Mexico’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation.

His administration is attempting to take a stand stand against corporate interests and foreign interference.

Is This A New Era for Mexico?

We’ll see - Many Mexicans that appose these changes don’t view them as truly for the good of the people, but rather additional ways for the government to consolidate power and in the future push more of the increasingly communistic views on the country. Mexico is tied to the United States - while most want to see Mexico thrive, some of these changes might push Mexico in an opposite direction such as the Venezualas and Argentina of the world.
What do you think will happen next?