Federal Judges Halt Debate on Judicial Reform

Federal judges in Morelos and Chiapas have issued two suspensions to halt the discussion and approval of the judicial reform. Despite this, MORENA has announced its intention to continue discussing the reform and to challenge the suspension.

Federal Judge Martha Eugenia Magaña, from Morelos, granted a suspension to prevent the Chamber of Deputies from discussing the judicial reform on Sept. 2, 3, and 4. Additionally, Federal Judge Felipe Soncuelo, from Chiapas, issued another suspension to ensure that if Congress approves the reform, it will not be sent to state congresses. The suspensions were granted due to concerns that if the reform is approved, individuals could be removed from their positions "without prior procedure or right to a hearing," with significant legal, labor, psychological, and economic consequences.

In response, MORENA plans to initiate a political trial, file a criminal complaint, and submit a grievance to the Federal Judiciary Council. The party also confirmed its commitment to advancing the legislative process for the judicial reform despite the suspensions. “The legislative majority views this as a blatant interference and a violation of the Constitution, asserting that no judge or external entity has jurisdiction over the Legislative Power,” said Ricardo Monreal, Coordinator of MORENA, Chamber of Deputies.

On Aug. 26, the judicial reform was greenlighted by the Constitutional Points Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, and it was anticipated to be discussed by the full Chamber before the suspensions were issued. In Mexico, for a constitutional reform to be ratified, it must be approved by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, and receive validation from at least 17 state congresses.