Economist Podcasts

Perverting the course of justices: Mexico’s judiciary

73 snips
May 26, 2025
Oret Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into Mexico's precarious judicial landscape. He critiques the recent elections where voters will choose judges directly, jeopardizing judicial independence. The discussion highlights the moral implications for democracy and foreign investment, as the ruling Morena party’s influence grows. Ogunbiyi also touches on Nigeria's sprawling energy crisis, revealing the paradox of an oil-rich nation grappling with widespread power shortages and the innovative responses of its citizens.
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INSIGHT

Risks of Electing Mexico's Judges

  • Electing judges at all levels removes an important democratic check on Mexico's ruling party Morena.
  • The rushed, weak vetting process risks placing many inexperienced judges in powerful positions.
INSIGHT

Crime's Grip on Judiciary Elections

  • Organized crime in Mexico is likely to exploit judicial elections by intimidating and influencing voters and candidates.
  • This exacerbates corruption risks and undermines the rule of law further.
INSIGHT

Morena's Political Control Over Courts

  • Morena seeks control of the judiciary to neutralize opposition from courts that have previously blocked its policies.
  • Morena's influence dominates vetting committees, shaping which candidates appear on ballots.
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