Mexican Ruling Party Nears Supermajority Amid Senatorial Defections
Mexico's Morena party approaches a two-thirds majority in Congress after opposition senators defect. Concerns rise over potential constitutional changes and judicial independence.
In a significant political shift, Mexico's ruling Morena party is on the brink of securing a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress. This development comes after two senators from the now-defunct Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) defected to Morena, bringing the party within one vote of a supermajority in the Senate.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President-elect and Morena member, confirmed the defections of Senators Araceli Saucedo and José Sabino. This move has sparked controversy, with opposition figures labeling the senators as traitors. Xóchitl Gálvez, the former opposition presidential candidate, expressed her disapproval on social media, stating that history would judge the defectors harshly.
The potential supermajority holds significant implications for Mexico's political landscape. If achieved, it would enable Morena to push through constitutional amendments without the need for opposition support. One of the most contentious proposals is the plan to make judges stand for election, raising concerns about judicial independence and the concentration of power in the executive branch.
These developments occur against the backdrop of Mexico's complex political system. The country has a bicameral legislature and a multi-party system, with the constitution requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses and approval from a majority of state legislatures for amendments. Morena, founded in 2014 by current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has rapidly gained power, challenging the traditional political landscape.
The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, has voiced concerns about the proposed judicial changes. He suggested that these reforms could pose a risk to Mexico's democracy and potentially impact the historic commercial relationship between the two nations. This intervention has strained diplomatic relations, with President López Obrador stating that he has put relations with the U.S. Embassy "on pause" in response.
"The proposed judicial changes pose a 'risk' to Mexico's democracy and 'threaten the historic commercial relationship' between Mexico and the U.S."
The situation underscores the delicate balance of power in Mexican politics and the potential for significant constitutional changes. As Morena edges closer to its desired supermajority, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future direction of Mexico's political and judicial systems.
