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Mexico Senate Approves AMLO's Judicial Reform with 86 Votes, Yunes Key

Sep 11, 2024, 05:05 AM

Mexico's Senate has approved a controversial judicial reform proposed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), which allows voters to elect judges and establishes a supervisory body with the power to remove judges. The reform passed with 86 votes in favor, including a decisive vote from opposition senator Miguel Ángel Yunes Márquez, who switched his stance to support the reform. The approval has sparked significant opposition, leading to protests and clashes between demonstrators and police outside the Senate. Critics argue that the reform threatens judicial independence and democracy, while supporters claim it will strengthen justice in the country. AMLO and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum have both denied any backdoor negotiations with Yunes to secure his vote. The PAN party, which holds 85 seats, was one vote short of a supermajority. Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña emphasized the importance of the supermajority. Investors are concerned about the potential impacts of the reform.