Mexico's ruling bloc appears to secure Senate votes for judicial reform

Senate passes constitutional changes to reshape Mexico's judiciary

Landmark vote hands President López Obrador a major victory

Mexico's ruling party and its allies appear to have secured enough votes in the Senate to pass a controversial judicial reform bill that would reshape the country's judiciary and strengthen the powers of the president.

The bill, which has been criticized by opposition lawmakers and legal experts, would give the president the power to appoint the head of the Supreme Court and other top judges, and would also extend the terms of Supreme Court justices from 15 to 18 years.

The bill's supporters argue that it is necessary to reform the judiciary, which they say is corrupt and inefficient. They also say that the reforms will help to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Opponents of the bill say that it will undermine the independence of the judiciary and give the president too much power. They also say that the reforms will not be effective in reducing crime or improving public safety.

The bill has been the subject of intense debate in Mexico, and its passage is likely to further polarize the country's political landscape.

Key points of the judicial reform bill

• Gives the president the power to appoint the head of the Supreme Court and other top judges
• Extends the terms of Supreme Court justices from 15 to 18 years
• Creates a new National Judicial Council to oversee the judiciary
• Reduces the number of Supreme Court justices from 11 to 9

Reaction to the bill

The bill has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters say that it is necessary to reform the judiciary, which they say is corrupt and inefficient. They also say that the reforms will help to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Opponents of the bill say that it will undermine the independence of the judiciary and give the president too much power. They also say that the reforms will not be effective in reducing crime or improving public safety.

Outlook

The bill is likely to be passed by the Senate, but it is unclear whether it will be approved by the Chamber of Deputies. If the bill is passed by both chambers, it will be sent to President López Obrador for his signature.

The passage of the bill would be a major victory for President López Obrador, who has made reforming the judiciary a priority of his administration. However, the bill is likely to face legal challenges, and its implementation could be delayed or blocked.