AMLO's Reform Plans Shake Up the Supreme Court

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) kicked off his morning conference with a musical recommendation that caught the attention of the nation. Continuing his quest to encourage young people to listen to songs that promote positivity, he presented "Tenías que ser tú" by Silvana Estrada. The President's eclectic taste in music adds a quirky touch to his daily briefings.

In other news, AMLO discussed his upcoming work tours, announcing plans to visit the progress of the highly-anticipated Tren Maya (Mayan Train) over the weekend. While he acknowledged that the transfer of the first cars might take longer than expected, he assured that testing would begin shortly. Additionally, he mentioned that the Mexico-Toluca interurban train is already undergoing initial tests, reaching speeds of up to 160 km per hour.

AMLO also highlighted the contributions of the National Council of Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies (Conahcyt). He praised the council's efforts in various scientific advancements, including the creation of agrochemicals, ventilators for respiratory insufficiency, and the development of the Patria vaccine. Furthermore, he emphasized the 55% progress made in separating clay from lithium, a metal recently nationalized by his administration.

Addressing a critical issue, President López Obrador reaffirmed his commitment to rescuing the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) from the damages inflicted during the neoliberal period. He criticized previous administrations for deliberately undermining the CFE's operations, resulting in a decline in its electricity production capacity. The President also accused previous administrations of purchasing overpriced gas and allowing private ownership of vital pipelines.

The President then shifted his focus to Mexico's COVID-19 plan. Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell, highlighted the extensive hospital reconversion Mexico had achieved, making it the largest in the world. He emphasized that the Sentinel Model of epidemiological surveillance developed in Mexico had received recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO). López-Gatell stated that the WHO did not favor any specific COVID-19 vaccine, and the ones initially rolled out in Mexico continued to be effective.

Regarding vaccination plans, the Mexican government intends to start vaccinating age groups similar to those for influenza, prioritizing older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and other vulnerable groups. The President mentioned that vaccinations would likely begin in October to coincide with the influenza vaccination campaign, maximizing the benefits of a joint effort.

President López Obrador announced that the Banco del Bienestar would begin disbursing support to senior citizens and other beneficiaries within the next 15 days, aiming to provide financial relief to those who need it most.

True to his style, the President didn't shy away from addressing media biases. He accused the media of lacking objectivity and pluralism, challenging journalists to name a single radio station that had not been co-opted by his adversaries. President AMLO emphasized that only the people could drive significant transformations, dismissing the elites and the powerful.

Celebrating a historic milestone, López Obrador proudly acknowledged that the majority of public servants in his administration were women, a first in Mexico's history. The President emphasized the importance of women's participation in shaping the country's future.

Commenting on recent resignations from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), President López Obrador stated that the party had lost touch with its revolutionary origins. He suggested that some political opponents were manipulated by influential figures like Claudio X. González, who led a conservative bloc. The President expressed disappointment in the opposition's inability to adapt to the changing political landscape and accused them of seeking to regain their former positions of power.

Discussing his plans for judicial reform, President López Obrador expressed the need to address the excesses and wastefulness within the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN). He emphasized the importance of transparency in the selection process for judges, magistrates, and ministers, proposing that the people have the power to elect members of the judicial branch, similar to how they elect Congress members and the head of the executive branch.

The President condemned the actions of some judges and magistrates, questioning their integrity in handling cases such as the Ayotzinapa tragedy and the ABC Day Care Center fire. He criticized the exorbitant salaries received by judicial officials and highlighted the corruption inherent in such high compensation.

President López Obrador expressed his concern over the recent attack on Héctor Villegas, the Secretary of Government of Tamaulipas, and assured that investigations were underway. He reaffirmed his support for the state governor, emphasizing that they stood together in the face of adversity.

Continuing his push for judicial reform, the President highlighted the Supreme Court's violations of Article 127 of the Constitution, which addresses the maximum salary ceiling for public servants. He revealed a list of 40 excessive perks enjoyed by Court members, including inflated salaries, extravagant bonuses, armored vehicles, insurance coverage, and generous allowances for travel and accommodations. AMLO reiterated his determination to propose a more specific initiative to eliminate these excesses and bring transparency to the Court's practices.

Discussing political matters, President López Obrador endorsed Xóchitl Gálvez as the presidential candidate for the conservative bloc. He emphasized the need for authenticity and criticized political figures who pretended to be champions of causes they previously opposed.

Regarding recent statements made by Bishop Cristóbal Ascencio García, who called for a day of mourning instead of a celebration in the Zócalo, the President respected the bishop's right to express his opinion. He mentioned that historical tensions had existed between the Church hierarchy and movements advocating for the poor and disadvantaged.

To prevent addiction, Leticia Ramírez, Secretary of Public Education, highlighted the ongoing campaign in public schools to educate young people about the dangers of addiction.

Deputy Director of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell, emphasized the importance of socialization in human interaction. He identified family, school, friendships, and mass media as key agents of socialization. López-Gatell cautioned against messages promoting violence, animosity, and hate, as they could hinder healthy socialization and contribute to drug abuse.

The head of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Zoé Robledo, shared details about electromechanical interventions in IMSS Bienestar hospitals. These interventions aimed to improve electrical services, water supply, waste control, and various environmental and energy distribution systems within the hospitals.