A New Dawn for Justice in Mexico
Friends, lovers of justice and transformation! Today we are witnessing a historic moment, a turning point that reminds us that change, although it sometimes seems challenging, is the seed of progress. The Judiciary of Mexico has embarked on a brave path towards renewal, starting this week with fifty percent of judges and substitute magistrates. This is not a crisis, it is a golden opportunity to infuse new energy, new perspectives and a fresh commitment towards the delivery of justice in our beloved country.
Imagine for a moment the magnitude of this moment: of the 1,711 positions that make up the backbone of our judicial system, 830 continue to be in the hands of those judges who arrived through the traditional and meritocratic system of appointment through competitive examinations, a method that has served with honor since 1995. The reform that promotes the election of Judges, Magistrates and Ministers by vote popularis not the end of one era, but rather the exciting welcome to another, built on the foundations of citizen participation. Each ending is, in reality, a new beginning full of potential.
The Courage of Choosing a New Path
Of the 863 places that were drawn to submit to the popular will on June 1, a group of 487 brave judges made a deeply personal decision: they chose not to participate in the election. Many have been embarking on well-deserved retirement or exploring new career paths since the end of last year. Those who were still in office did their duty and left their positions yesterday, making room for the new wave. The majority of this group, 332 Circuit Magistrates, with an impeccable track record and the necessary seniority, will now access a deserved complementary pension, a recognition of their service beyond what the ISSSTE offers. Let’s celebrate your dedication!
But here comes the most inspiring part: in that same group of positions drawn, 376 judges did have the courage, faith and confidence in the system to participate in the election. Of those, 80 champions won, representing a vibrant 21.2 percent of the candidates. Among these winners there are 25 magistrates and 55 judges who received the support of the citizens. The 296 who were not elected also comply with honor, leaving their positions as ordered by the Constitution. Their participation is already a victory in itself, an act of faith in democracy.
There is another block of 848 places that were not drawn and, therefore, will undergo this democratic process until 2027. However, even of these courts, 93 Magistrates and 5 District Judges have decided to move towards new stages, leaving 98 vacant places that will be a blank canvas full of possibilities until their moment of renewal arrives. During this period, the dedicated acting secretaries will be the ones who, with their expertise and commitment, will maintain the operation of the respective bodies. This is a common practice in the Judiciary, although never for a period as full of expectation as these two years that we have ahead of us.
In summary, this new judicial cycle is built on a solid and optimistic foundation: 750 Judges and Magistrates not drawn by lot will continue to work for the 2025 election, added to the 80 who triumphed at the polls, together representing 48.5 percent of the total seats. The rest will be occupied, starting this Monday, by Judges and Magistrates elected by the citizens. Many of them bring with them valuable experience as secretaries within the Judiciary itself or as justice operators in state or administrative courts. New voices also arrive, new talents without a direct background in judicial work, which injects an incredibly valuable diversity of thought. The diversity of experiences enriches any system!
Just three weeks ago, members of the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF) demonstrated humanity by trying to retain a group of one hundred judges who, by Constitutional mandate, had to leave their positions this September 1. These professionals claimed to be in a situation of vulnerability, a reminder that behind every position there is a person with a story. The respective agreement, although well-intentioned, only gathered four of the five necessary votes and was discarded, showing that even in the deliberation there are lessons of balance and respect for the norm.
The Minister President Norma Piña explained it clearly: “What councilors Bernardo Bátiz, Sergio Molina and Celia Maya were proposing was that the people who left office in 2025 would have their assignment changed, to put them in positions in 2027 that are vacant.” And he added with conviction: “The Constitution is clear: those of 2025 leave their position on August 31 if they do not win the election or decline to participate. A literal interpretation is required. It was intended to change positions for judges who went to elections and did not win; there the vote was divided because it is also about respecting the will of the people, who did not vote for them.” This clarity is the beacon that guides any meaningful transformation.
This is not a moment of chaos, it is a moment of conscious construction. It is the materialization of a paradigm shift that invites reflection, adaptation and, above all, hope that systems can evolve to better serve society. Each judge or magistrate who assumes office today carries with them not only a toga, but the trust placed by the citizens and the enormous responsibility of writing, day by day, a more fair and transparent chapter for Mexico. The future of justice is not expected, it is built with action, integrity and faith in the process.
Are you inspired by this historic transformation?Share this new era of Mexican justice on your social networks and let’s make this wave of optimism reach more people. Explore more content on how institutional changes are shaping a better future for everyone.
