What is Claudia Sheinbaum Aiming for with the Judicial Power Reform?

Web Editor

May 16, 2025

a man in a suit and tie standing in front of a blue background with the words demeterio sodi, Edward

Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Morena

Claudia Sheinbaum is the current President of Mexico City and a prominent member of the political party Morena. As the first female president of Mexico City, she has been a key figure in implementing policies aligned with Morena’s left-leaning ideology. Understanding Sheinbaum’s objectives requires context about her party and its relationship with the judicial power.

The Upcoming Election and Judicial Reform

An election for ministers, magistrates, and judges is scheduled for June 1st. Despite predictions of low voter turnout due to logistical challenges and lack of familiarity with the candidates, Sheinbaum and Morena aim to push through a reform of the Judicial Power. This reform’s true intentions are shrouded in controversy, prompting scrutiny from observers.

Sheinbaum’s Claimed Objectives

Sheinbaum asserts that the reform aims to establish a more efficient justice system and reduce corruption by allowing citizens to elect judicial officials. However, critics argue that this approach is flawed and will not lead to improved justice or reduced corruption.

The Real Agenda

Critics, including former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), claim that Sheinbaum and Morena seek to weaken the Judicial Power, making it subservient to their interests. AMLO’s own experiences with the judiciary during his presidency highlight a pattern of conflict and attempts to undermine an independent judicial system.

Morena’s Electoral Machinery

Morena has been accused of using its legislative majority to select and promote candidates for judicial positions, ensuring that these officials remain loyal to the party and government agenda. This strategy aims to create a judicial system that supports, rather than checks, executive power.

The Tribunal of Judicial Discipline

A significant aspect of the reform is the establishment of a Tribunal of Judicial Discipline, which critics argue will function as an “Inquisition” to punish judges who do not align with government policies.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is the main goal of Claudia Sheinbaum’s judicial reform? Critics argue that the true objective is to weaken and subordinate the Judicial Power to the interests of Sheinbaum, her government, and Morena.
  • Why are people concerned about the election process for judicial officials? Concerns include lack of candidate familiarity, low voter turnout, and the potential for Morena to exert undue influence over the selection process.
  • What is the Tribunal of Judicial Discipline, and why is it controversial? This newly proposed tribunal is seen as a mechanism to punish judges who do not support government policies, raising concerns about judicial independence.

In summary, Claudia Sheinbaum’s judicial reform and the upcoming election are viewed by many as an attempt to subordinate the Judicial Power to her government’s interests. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and consider the implications of this reform before deciding whether to participate in the June 1st election.