Mexico's lower chamber passes controversial judicial reforms after 12-hour debate: Video
Mexico's lower chamber in a landmark decision approved a contentious judicial reform plan.
The measure was passed after a marathon session that lasted over 12 hours between Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Proposed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the reform includes significant changes to the judiciary, such as reducing the number of Supreme Court judges from 11 to 9, electing judges through a popular vote and the terms for Supreme Court judges will be shortened from 15 to 12 years.
The approval of the reform has led to a strike by judicial workers, strained relations with the United States, and generated concern in financial markets. Critics argue that the reform could undermine judicial independence and politicise the judiciary.
Many citizens also staged a protest outside the house ahead of Tuesday's proposal reading.
Despite these concerns, Obrador insists that the changes are necessary to hold judges accountable and reduce corruption.
Lawmakers now have a final chance to suggest changes to specific articles of the reform before it heads to the Senate for further debate. Given the ruling Morena's strong majority, it is expected to pass there.
