AMLO's judicial reform triggers political and economic crisis in Mexico.

In recent weeks, the political situation in Mexico has taken an unexpected and alarming turn with the judicial reform proposal from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). This radical change in the Mexican judicial system highlights a confrontation between the executive and judicial branches that could have profound repercussions for the country. Supreme Court judges are facing unprecedented pressure: to resign in order to preserve their pensions or risk losing their benefits in a possible upcoming electoral process. The manner in which this reform is being carried out has been labeled extortion, and many observers are questioning the true motivations behind this move. With the backing of his party, Morena, and a recent significant electoral victory, AMLO seems determined to leave a lasting mark on Mexican politics. However, this pursuit of absolute power could lead to an erosion of democratic institutions and a weakening of the rule of law, concerns that trouble both investors and ordinary citizens. The proposed judicial reform suggests the election of judges through popular vote, which could open the door to a series of problems. The reduction of requirements and experience needed to be elected as a judge, as well as salary limitations, calls into question the professionalization of the judicial system. This weakening of the judicial structure could lead to hasty decisions and manipulation of judges by interest groups, resulting in a highly volatile legal environment. Lisa Sánchez, director general of Mexico United Against Crime, warns that this reform could negatively impact victims of injustice, as the repetition of trials and the restructuring of the system could further harm them. With more than 850 new judges to be selected from a vast number of candidates, the process could paralyze the administration of justice, affecting both businesses and the general public. Although there are arguments justifying the need for reform, such as the perception that the legal system does not adequately serve the average citizen, it is evident that AMLO seeks to consolidate his power. The Supreme Court has been an effective counterbalance to his authority, and by eliminating judges who have challenged his initiatives, AMLO appears to be pursuing a personal agenda that overlooks the institutional health of the country. This scenario places the elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum, in a complicated position. Her support for the judicial reform could be seen as a betrayal of the interests of large corporations, investors, and business partners, especially within the framework of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The impending legal insecurity could disincentivize foreign investment at a time when the country urgently needs capital to boost its infrastructure. The economic impact of this reform is already being felt, with a collapse of the Mexican peso and pressure from analysts warning of uncertainty in various sectors. The relationship with the United States has also been affected; Ambassador Ken Salazar has described the reform as a "significant risk" to Mexican democracy, a comment that AMLO quickly dismissed as interference. In this context, Sheinbaum's rise to power presents an opportunity to reevaluate the country's direction. However, the irony lies in the fact that, despite having a strong political mandate, she faces a fragile macroeconomic environment. The combination of high inflation, a concerning fiscal deficit, and a slowing U.S. economy poses an unprecedented challenge. Thus, the future of Mexico stands at a critical crossroads. AMLO's administration has chosen to embark on a path toward radical nationalism that could blur the line between politics and justice. While the government has the freedom to chart its own destiny, the reality is that cohesion with its trade allies and the stability of the rule of law are fundamental to the country's well-being. As these events unfold, the call for reflection becomes more urgent. Is Mexico willing to sacrifice the integrity of its institutions in pursuit of a political hegemony that could result in a regression of its democratic achievements? The answer to this question will define the future of the nation and its place in the international community.