A significant portion of Mexico’s Supreme Court justices have formally tendered their resignations, indicating their decision not to participate in the upcoming judicial elections. These reforms, set to commence next year, introduce a novel electoral system where voters nationwide will directly elect all judges.
This development, announced on Wednesday, has generated considerable public unrest and diplomatic tensions. Notably, eight out of the eleven Supreme Court justices, including the esteemed Court President Norma Pina, have opted not to contest in the scheduled elections slated for June 2025. As per an official statement released by the Court, the majority of these resignations will become effective in August.
Mexico Supreme Court Judges Step Down Amid Controversial Judicial Reform
These resignations occur as the Court prepares to examine a proposal contesting the constitutionality of electing judges. President Claudia Sheinbaum responded assertively to the announcement, emphasizing that the Court lacks the authority to nullify a reform that has already secured congressional approval. “Eight individuals intend to alter a reform concerning the Mexican people… Do they comprehend the significance?” Sheinbaum inquired during a press conference on Wednesday.
Sheinbaum suggested that the resigning judges might be motivated by financial incentives, claiming that judges leaving now would retain full retirement benefits, which may be forfeited under the new electoral system. “If they resign now, they will leave with all their retirement benefits,” Sheinbaum said. “If they do not resign now, they will no longer have their retirement benefits… which is a lot of money.”
Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who implemented the reforms in September, argued that the judicial overhaul was essential for rooting out corruption and serving public interests rather than elites. Critics argue, however, that electing judges could compromise judicial independence, making judges vulnerable to political pressures or even threats from powerful drug cartels.
During his tenure, President Lopez Obrador frequently expressed criticism of the Supreme Court due to its obstruction of certain crucial policies, particularly in the energy and security sectors. President Sheinbaum, a staunch ally of President Lopez Obrador and Mexico’s first female president since October 1, has demonstrated unwavering support for these reforms.
The proposed reforms have generated apprehension amongst Mexico’s economic partners, notably the United States and Canada, and have caused instability in financial markets. The United States government has expressed concerns that modifying Mexico’s judicial system in this manner could erode investor confidence in the nation’s legal framework, potentially affecting international relations and trade agreements.
