Former judges and magistrates dismissed by the judicial reform in Mexico protested this Wednesday in the country’s capital to demand the payment of their compensation and that a project to cancel the pensions of retired workers or workers in the process of retiring be stopped.
The former judges gathered in front of the building of the Judicial Administration Body (OAJ), to march towards the Judicial Disciplinary Court (TDJ), formerly the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF).
“In the event of forced dismissal, decent retirement” and “The law is not to your liking, we demand fair payment,” they shouted, among other slogans, as they passed through the streets of the city.
The protesters claim that since September, when the judges elected by popular vote were removed from their positions and took office, they have not received the payment corresponding to their retirement.
The protest brought together dozens of workers laid off by the judicial reform, – which established the election of judges throughout the country -, who traveled from different states, with banners that said: “OAJ: Comply with the Constitution and pay us now.”
Froylán Muñoz, former circuit magistrate in the state of Michoacán, pointed out that more than 800 dismissed judges have not received their compensation, in addition to not being able to work in the same field for two years.
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On the other hand, he warned that a project is circulating that seeks to cancel the complementary pensions of retired pensioners or those who are in the process of retiring, which generates “great uncertainty” among judges.
Given this, he pointed out that they also demand the “total repeal” of said project, because they are “acquired rights, that is, immovable.”
Upon arriving at the TDJ, where they had an agreed appointment with the OAJ, the protesters were not received, so they blocked both directions of Insurgentes Sur Avenue.
Julia García, former magistrate in the State of Mexico, stated that the meeting with the OAJ was agreed on last October 29, and explained that communication with the body has been intermittent and unclear.
“We have had partial and incomplete responses. The day before, a statement was released from the body saying that it will pay us on December 10, but we have many doubts,” García said.
For example, he indicated that the presence of more than 800 judges in Mexico City, with a witness, is requested on December 10, so that they receive their compensation.
“How are they going to receive more than 1,600 people and serve them on the same day?” he questioned.
To resolve their doubts, the protesters presented a document to the OAJ and hope to have the agreed meeting this same day. Otherwise, they warned that they will not stop the protests and blockades.
Last June, Mexico had its first election to the Judiciary, in which nearly 1,000 judicial positions were renewed, including 386 positions of judges and 464 magistrates.
The dismissed judges were those who decided not to participate in the election or resigned before it.
The judicial reform, enacted in September 2024, introduced significant changes to the structure and functioning of the Judiciary, with the election of judges and magistrates by popular vote being the most controversial and unprecedented measure in Mexico.
With information from EFE.
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