Supreme Court Justice of the Nation President Norma Piña. Photo: SCJN

By KELIN DILLON

In a video released to social networks on Wednesday, June 26, president of Mexico’s Supreme Court Justice of the Nation (SCJN) Norma Piña requested members of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (PJF) to unite together against the proposed constitutional reforms to the judiciary and uphold the balance of powers in Mexico.

The so-called ‘plan c’ judicial reforms – first proposed by current Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and now set to be sought after by President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum – would overturn Mexico’s current judicial appointment process and instead see members of the PJF elected by popular vote. 

Though AMLO could not pass the reforms during his term, the National Regeneration Movement’s (Morena) newly elected supermajority in Mexican Congress will allow Sheinbaum to pass through the constitutional changes without any pushback from opposition parties.

During her video message to her fellow PJF workers, Piña asked the judicial branch members to defend their labor rights in front of the federal government and the country.

“In these momentous moments, I want to convey a message of unity and empathy,” said Piña. “Given the initiative to reform the PJF, we are working tirelessly and having a dialogue with all possible bodies to guarantee the defense of your labor rights.”

“We live in moments full of uncertainty; however, it is precisely in these times when we must demonstrate the most that we work for Mexico. Let us not lose the focus of our constitutional mission: to assert the rights of Mexicans, and the balance of Powers,” continued Piña.

The reform is slated to be discussed and analyzed in the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday, June 27.