2024-10-31 03:56:00
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s House of Representatives approved a new reform of the Magna Carta on Wednesday night that will prevent changes to the constitutional text from being challenged in court.
The ruling Morena party and its allies approved the initiative with a vote of 343 to 129, through which the ruling party seeks to protect a series of constitutional changes already approved by Congress, including controversial judicial reforms.
The initiative was approved by the Senate last week and now requires the approval of at least 17 of the 32 state assemblies to be implemented.
The reform, known as “constitutional supremacy”, has raised concerns among experts and the business community who believe the new changes to the constitutional text will weaken the rule of law.
The initiative stipulates that neither constitutional changes approved by Congress nor those pending discussion will be challenged, which would give the ruling party full authority to move forward without any legal obstacles to former President Andres Manuel Lo reforms proposed by Pez Obrador last February.
The text states that “Amparo trials for constitutional additions or reforms will not take place.”
After the Supreme Court considered taking action against judicial reforms enacted by López Obrador mid-last month, the ruling party that controls Congress decided to accelerate the move, two weeks before the end of his six-term term. .
Ruling party representative Olga Sánchez Cordero said the changes pointed to a “scenario of saving sovereignty” and assured that “it does not contradict the defense or promotion of human rights”.
The entire opposition has rejected the reform, claiming it would deny Mexicans the right to defend themselves in court, opposing the move pushed by Morena, but the ruling party dismissed the complaint.
Federico Dolin, a lawmaker from the opposition National Action Party, said the ruling party was seeking to “protect” judicial reforms from challenges and protect them.
One of Mexico’s main business groups, the Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Mexico (COPARMEX), expressed concern about the reform this week, saying in a statement that the move “puts at risk fundamental guarantees that have protected citizens for decades.”
The group added that the move “opens the door for Congress to make decisions without judicial control, thereby weakening the system of checks and balances.”
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Martinez, Constitutional Law Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. We want to discuss the recent reforms in Mexico’s House of Representatives. Can you explain the implications of the “constitutional supremacy” reform that was approved?
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. The “constitutional supremacy” reform essentially means that certain changes to the constitutional text cannot be challenged in court. This could significantly alter the landscape of Mexico’s legal system and diminish the judiciary’s role as a checks and balances mechanism.
**Interviewer:** This reform was passed with a substantial majority. What do you think motivated the ruling Morena party and its allies to push for this change?
**Dr. Martinez:** The Morena party is likely motivated by a desire to solidify their recent constitutional changes, particularly the controversial judicial reforms. By preventing court challenges, they can ensure that their policies are upheld without the risk of judicial intervention.
**Interviewer:** Experts and members of the business community have expressed concerns about this reform. What are the specific risks associated with it?
**Dr. Martinez:** The primary risk is the potential weakening of the rule of law. Without the ability to challenge constitutional changes, there may be less accountability among lawmakers. This can lead to arbitrary governance and potentially infringe on civil rights and liberties.
**Interviewer:** The reform now awaits approval from state assemblies. What do you predict will happen next in this process?
**Dr. Martinez:** I anticipate that the debate will be vigorous at the state assembly level, particularly in states where opposition parties hold significant influence. It’s possible that some assemblies will reject the reform, which could delay or derail its implementation.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what can citizens do to respond or adapt to these impending changes?
**Dr. Martinez:** Citizens should engage in dialogue and advocacy. It’s crucial for the public to remain informed and express their opinions to their representatives. Grassroots movements can play a vital role in holding the government accountable and preserving democratic principles.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights on such an important topic.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that discussions around these changes continue.
