Why Did Mexico’s Supreme Court Justices Resign En Masse?

Eight Mexican Supreme Court justices resign en masse, sparking a constitutional crisis over judicial independence.

At a Glance

Eight of 11 Mexican Supreme Court justices resigned in protest of a constitutional reform
The reform mandates popular election of judges, including Supreme Court justices, starting in 2025
Critics argue the reform threatens judicial independence and consolidates power within the ruling party
Over 500 legal challenges have been filed against the controversial reform

Mass Resignation Shakes Mexican Judiciary

In a unprecedented move, eight of the eleven justices on Mexico’s Supreme Court, including Chief Justice Norma Piña, have submitted their resignations. This mass exodus comes in direct response to a sweeping constitutional reform that fundamentally alters the selection process for judges, mandating their election by popular vote beginning in 2025.

The reform, championed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his Morena party, aims to stamp out corruption within the judiciary. However, it has faced extensive scrutiny and opposition, with over 500 lawsuits challenging its efficacy and constitutionality.

Mexico Supreme Court justice announces resignation, more expected https://t.co/UZCf834kxM pic.twitter.com/KhdDsIlvXR

— Reuters (@Reuters) October 29, 2024

Concerns Over Judicial Independence

Critics of the reform argue that it poses a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary and could lead to increased political influence over the courts. The Mexican Employers’ Association, Coparmex, warned that the reform “puts at risk the fundamental guarantees that have protected citizens for decades.”

“Chief Justice Piña and her colleagues cited concerns for constitutional integrity and judicial independence in their resignation letters.” – Chief Justice Piña

Justice Alfredo Gutiérrez Ortiz Mena expressed apprehension that popular elections could erode the judiciary’s role as a non-partisan protector of minority rights. There are concerns that judges might feel pressured to align with prevailing political sentiments rather than uphold impartial justice.

Reform Details and International Reaction

The controversial reform reduces the Supreme Court from 11 to nine members and shortens judges’ term limits from 15 to 12 years. In June 2025, Mexican citizens will elect approximately half of the country’s 7,000 judges, including most Supreme Court justices.

“U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, among others, has expressed concern that the popular election of judges could compromise the judicial process’s impartiality, risking the checks and balances that underpin democratic governance.” – U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar

The reform has faced criticism both domestically and internationally. Over 400 lower-court judges have already refused to contest the elections, further highlighting the widespread opposition within the judicial system.

Political Implications and Next Steps

The Senate, controlled by the ruling Morena party, has the authority to accept or reject the justices’ resignations. Some Morena party officials have suggested that financial motives may be behind the resignations, as resigning now would secure more favorable pension terms for the justices.

Claudia Sheinbaum, López Obrador’s successor, has continued to criticize the judiciary, suggesting that justices are resigning to avoid losing their pensions. “It’s a lot of money,” Sheinbaum stated, implying that the justices’ actions may be motivated by self-interest rather than principle.

As Mexico grapples with this constitutional crisis, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic institutions, the balance of power between branches of government, and the fundamental principle of an independent judiciary.