Introduction of New Ministers in Mexico City
In a ceremony filled with incense, bird feathers, and the sound of caracoles (snails) in Mexico City’s Zócalo, eight out of the nine new ministers received their respective symbols of authority and service.
President of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) Hugo Aguilar Ortiz
Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, the newly appointed President of the SCJN, pledged absolute respect for the division of powers in Mexico.
He emphasized a respectful dialogue, collaboration, and absolute independence with the union’s powers during his installation ceremony, attended by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and the presidents of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, Laura Itzel Castillo Juárez and Sergio Gutiérrez Luna, respectively.
Commitment to Transparency and Inclusivity
Aguilar Ortiz, an indigenous Oaxacan, outlined his commitment to being a close and accessible court. He assured that there would be no barriers separating the court from society, emphasizing openness to listening to victims, receiving proposals from academia and civil society, engaging with indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities, and welcoming scrutiny from the media and organized citizenry.
During the first public session of the new court, Aguilar Ortiz announced a fight against corruption and nepotism within the judicial power, along with total austerity. Ministers will earn salaries lower than the President of the Republic, as per the Constitution, and receive medical attention from public health institutions. Their medical expense insurance will be eliminated, and their retirement pensions will be reviewed downward.
Aguilar Ortiz described this as the beginning of an unprecedented chapter in Mexico’s justice history.
Traditional Ceremony and Support from the Community
The ceremony took place in the afternoon amidst incense, bird feathers, and caracoles’ sounds in Mexico City’s Zócalo. Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García, who is recovering from a road accident, was absent.
“Hugo, Hugo, Hugo” echoed through the air near 4 PM as indigenous women traditional healers from Otomi, Mixteco, Zapotec, and Wirárika communities performed a purification ceremony.
A caracolero (snail handler) from the Mazahua community also participated, with men shouting “Hugo, hermano (brother), nos vas a echar la mano (help us)” while waving their machetes.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Hugo Aguilar Ortiz? He is the newly appointed President of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN), an indigenous Oaxacan committed to transparency and anti-corruption measures.
- What are the key commitments made by Aguilar Ortiz? He pledged absolute respect for the division of powers, a close and accessible court, fighting corruption and nepotism, and total austerity in ministerial salaries.
- What is the significance of the traditional ceremony? The ceremony symbolized community support and respect for Aguilar Ortiz as he assumes his new role.
