nIn a pivotal meeting this Thursday, the federal government adn the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) reached a significant agreement to review the judicial Branch of the Federation’s (PJF) request for a budget expansion for 2025. This progress comes amid escalating tensions, including worker mobilizations and threats of a work stoppage, following the court’s decision to reduce benefits and salaries in response to a 12% budget cut imposed by the chamber of Deputies.The meeting, held at the SCJN headquarters, was attended by key figures such as Minister President Norma Lucía Piña Hernández, Ministers Javier Laynez Potisek and Jorge Mario Pardo Rebolledo, Secretary of the interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez, and Legal Advisor of the Presidency Ernestina Godoy. Both parties discussed the budget increase request, emphasizing the need to “safeguard the rights of workers in accordance with the tenth transitory article of the constitutional reform in judicial matters.”
along with the budget review, the meeting addressed the status of the extinction of 10 PJF trusts, which had accumulated 10,260,507,418 pesos as of January 6, 2025. A working group comprising representatives from the Judiciary, the Legal and National Financial Department, and SNC (Nafin) was established to tackle this issue. The trusts’ extinction was mandated by a 2023 reform to the Organic Law of the PJF and reinforced by the judicial reform of September 15,2024.
A third agenda item, though not detailed, involved “the problem surrounding the suspension of the election process of the Judicial Branch of the Federation.” Earlier in the day, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the Secretary of the interior would meet with the ministers at the request of Norma Piña. The SCJN concluded its statement by reiterating its “willingness to dialogue.”
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget Expansion Request | Review of PJF’s 2025 budget request amid worker protests |
| Trust Extinction | Working group established to address the extinction of 10 PJF trusts |
| Election Process Suspension | Issue discussed without further detail |
This meeting marks a critical step in resolving the ongoing disputes within the PJF, highlighting the complexities of balancing fiscal responsibility with the rights and needs of judicial workers. As negotiations continue, the outcomes will undoubtedly shape the future of the Judicial Branch of the Federation.
Interview: Budget Reconciliation and the Future of the Judicial branch
Senior Editor: Welcome, dr. alejandro Morales, an expert in constitutional law and judicial reform. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in the Judicial Branch of the Federation (PJF).let’s dive right in. Can you provide some context on the importance of the recent meeting between the federal government and the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN)?
Dr. Alejandro Morales: Thank you for having me. The meeting is indeed important. It represents a critical juncture in addressing the financial and operational challenges facing the PJF. The SCJN and the federal government are attempting to reconcile the PJF’s budget expansion request for 2025, which comes in the wake of a 12% budget cut imposed by the Chamber of Deputies. This cut has led to reduced benefits and salaries for judicial workers, sparking protests and threats of a work stoppage. The meeting underscores the delicate balance between fiscal obligation and safeguarding workers’ rights, as outlined in the tenth transitory article of the constitutional reform in judicial matters.
Senior Editor: One of the key agenda items was the extinction of 10 PJF trusts, which reportedly held over 10 billion pesos. Can you explain the implications of this decision?
Dr.Alejandro Morales: Certainly. The extinction of these trusts is a direct result of the 2023 reform to the Organic Law of the PJF,reinforced by the judicial reform of September 15,2024. These trusts were essentially financial reserves meant to support specific judicial functions. However, their existence has been controversial, with critics arguing that they lack openness and accountability. The establishment of a working group to address this issue is a positive step, as it brings together representatives from the Judiciary, the Legal and National Financial Department, and SNC (Nafin) to ensure a structured and transparent process for reallocating these funds.
Senior Editor: The meeting also touched on the suspension of the election process within the Judicial Branch. What can you tell us about this issue?
Dr. Alejandro Morales: Sadly, details on this matter remain scarce. However, the suspension of the election process is likely tied to broader concerns about governance and transparency within the PJF. It’s possible that the SCJN and the federal government are seeking to address systemic issues that could undermine the integrity of the judicial system. This is a complex issue that will require careful deliberation and collaboration between all stakeholders.
Senior Editor: what do you see as the potential outcomes of these negotiations, and how might they shape the future of the PJF?
Dr. Alejandro Morales: The outcomes of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications. if successful, they could restore confidence in the PJF by ensuring adequate funding, protecting workers’ rights, and addressing long-standing issues like the trusts and governance. However, failure to reach a consensus could exacerbate tensions, leading to further protests and operational disruptions. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a more transparent, accountable, and efficient judicial system that serves the needs of the nation.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for your insights.This is undoubtedly a pivotal moment for the Judicial Branch,and we’ll be closely following these developments.
