Historic Supreme Court Strike Over Controversial Judicial Reform in Mexico

In an unprecedented move, Mexico's Supreme Court judges voted to suspend activities in protest of a controversial judicial reform ahead of a congressional vote. The reform, pushed by President Lopez Obrador, seeks sweeping changes including the election of judges by popular vote. Critics argue it could undermine judicial independence and disrupt the business climate.

In a landmark decision, Mexico's Supreme Court judges have voted to halt the institution's operations ahead of a congressional debate on a contentious judicial reform, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

By a margin of eight votes to three, the judges supported the work stoppage joined by thousands of judicial workers. This historic action comes as Mexico's lower house of Congress prepares to discuss the reform, which has strained ties with the United States and caused market instability.

The proposed reform, backed by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, seeks to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges and their terms. While proponents say the changes will combat corruption, critics worry it will weaken judicial oversight and harm the economic environment.

(With inputs from agencies.)