AMLO’s Reforms: National Guard, Indigenous Rights, Judiciary

National Guard Reform. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador celebrated the approval of the National Guard Reform by MORENA representatives and their allies in the Chamber of Deputies, which will now move to the Senate. "The public supports the National Guard's performance. We lacked an institution that truly ensured public security. By becoming a branch of SEDENA, we can guarantee its continuity and integrity in its actions."

On Sept. 20, the Chamber of Deputies approved the reform, which aims to transfer administrative and operational control of the National Guard to SEDENA. This is a renewed effort, following a 2022 proposal that was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The reform has faced criticism, with opponents accusing the López Obrador administration of militarizing the country.

Indigenous Reform. The president celebrated the unanimous approval of the Indigenous Reform, calling it a historic achievement for Indigenous and native communities. "This is a monumental step for Indigenous peoples, and I see a promising future ahead."

After three years of discussions, the Chamber of Deputies unanimously passed the law recognizing the rights of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. The proposal aims to establish Mexico as a multi-ethnic nation and grants Indigenous peoples and communities formal legal recognition as public entities with their own rights and assets. It also ensures that Indigenous individuals have access to interpreters, translators, legal defenders, and Indigenous rights experts, promoting legal pluralism.

Judicial Reform. The president urged an end to efforts to block the judicial reform, stating that it is necessary and that the resistance only highlights corruption within the judiciary.

On Sept. 15, President López Obrador enacted the judicial reform by publishing it in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF). The following day, the constitutional amendment took effect, triggering the extraordinary 2024-2025 electoral process to elect ministers, judges, and magistrates through popular vote.

The decree was issued despite an order from the Thirty-Second Circuit Collegiate Court to halt its publication. While experts noted that the president, deputies, senators, and state congresses defied a suspension order that should have been enforced, they say it seems unlikely that charges will be brought against the president.