Gerardo Fernández Noroña, the president of the Senate, made headlines recently by emphatically stating during a live social media broadcast, "Los jueces federales no tienen atribuciones para detener el proceso electoral de las personas juzgadoras," asserting judges do not have the authority to halt the upcoming elections for judges, magistrates, and ministers scheduled for June 1, 2025.
His remarks came after federal judge Sergio Santamaría Chamú ordered the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) to suspend this electoral process, invoking constitutional powers. Noroña firmly responded by emphasizing, "El único que tiene autoridad en la materia es el Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación," which translates to, "The only authority competent to intervene is the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary." This encounter has reignited tensions between the judicial and legislative branches.
Noroña’s comments followed Judge Santamaría's allegations asserting his court possessed decisive jurisdiction over the election process, granting the INE just 48 hours to comply with his order. Santana claimed, "...los jueces siguen pensando que están por encima de la patria," meaning judges think they are above the national interest. Through his criticisms, Noroña underscored the idea of accountability and the necessary boundaries of judicial power.
Wielding his position, Noroña challenged the legitimacy of Santamaría's claims, quipping, "Reto a este juez pedorro a que me diga en qué parte de la constitución tienen semejante atribución para parar la elección judicial," which conveys his disbelief at the judge's authority. He referred back to Article 61 of the Mexican Constitution, which suggests any injunction against constitutional reforms is void.
The senator didn't hold back on denouncing the judge's reasoning, labeling it "falaces" or deceptive, stating, "Jueces como éste se creen intocables, y que su palabra es ley;" this highlights frustrations within the political sphere about judicial decisions trumping legislative authority. Noroña conveyed the unease among many legislators about judges acting unilaterally, seemingly disregarding the laws governing their own authority.
Perspectives on the judicial reform initiated by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador have surfaced since its implementation, with criticisms nationwide. The conflict reaches its apex as federal judges have sidestepped this reform, with Santamaría being one of the prominent figures resisting efforts to enforce these changes. The dissent is rooted deeply, with various branches of government grappling for oversight and influence.
During discussions about the legal ramifications of the impending elections, Noroña remained adamant: "...nada puede detener el proceso electoral de las personas juzgadoras"—nothing can stop the electoral process for judges. This statement encapsulates the essence of his argument, which supports the view of critically engaging the electorate, allowing citizens to choose their judicial representatives through direct voting.
Critics of the judicial practices have arose from various sectors, demanding transparency for the upcoming elections. Still, Noroña's determination highlights the overarching priority of following constitutional parameters and ensuring fair play within the democratic process.
Not only is this judicial election pivotal for the electorate, as it allows them to impact who interprets and enforces the law, it will also determine the direction of the Mexican judicial system for years to come. The senator celebrates this citizen engagement opportunity, asserting it returns power to the people rather than allowing it to be undermined by judicial overreach.
With the judicial elections approaching, public sentiments may influence these political narratives, igniting conversations about democracy, accountability, and the careful balance of power within Mexico's government. The dynamics between legislators like Noroña and judges like Santamaría remain closely watched, as the nation anticipates these landmark elections, making every statement count.