Desk News: Thousands of people have taken to the streets across Mexico in mass protests against a proposed judicial reform that would require judges to be elected by popular vote. Critics argue that this reform could compromise the independence of the judiciary, potentially leading to significant political and economic consequences.

The judicial reform was proposed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and has received support from Claudia Sheinbaum, the incoming president. Currently, judges and magistrates in Mexico are appointed by the Federal Judicial Council, and Supreme Court justices are nominated by the president and approved by the Senate. However, if this reform is enacted, 7,000 judges and magistrates would be elected directly by the people, with candidates being proposed by the government administration, legislature, and judiciary.

The reform also includes a proposal to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from 11 to 9 and to shorten their term from 15 years to 12 years. Additionally, a new agency would be established to oversee the conduct of judges.

Proponents of the reform argue that it is necessary to combat high levels of violent crime in Mexico. The outgoing president has stated that the judiciary is currently failing to serve the people and is instead protecting the interests of organized criminals.

However, opponents argue that the reform would lead to the politicization of the entire judiciary. The judicial workers’ union has expressed concerns that this reform would undermine labor rights within the judiciary. They fear that elected judges would be more susceptible to special interests and that criminal organizations could gain control over the judiciary.

In response to the proposed reform, judicial workers have gone on strike, further escalating tensions in Mexico’s political and social landscape. The situation has also raised concerns among foreign investors, potentially impacting Mexico’s international relations and economic stability.