On the recent judges reform there, seems like a possible bad move from this article but wanted to hear your perspective Rob, and others there. Undermining democracy is never a good thing as we know all too well here in the US.
https://apple.news/AXV73ioWxQk2dwB7VhZ7zLQ
I think replacing professional judges who have earned their positions through a system of merit with politicians nominated by politicians will not solve any problems in our judicial system, but rather will only make the process worse and make it easier for bad people to place the judges they want where they want them. For example, if one of the reasons for the reforma judicial is to fight corruption, then both Colombia and Italy have experience in this we can learn from by keeping the judges' identities secret and protecting them. The reforma offers a panel of "secret" judges to tackle certain cases, but they must first be voted into that panel by the public, which blows their identities.
The real purpose of this so-called reforma is to satisfy AMLO's thirst for revenge against the federal judges who have ruled against some of his illegal acts, including the whole Tren Maya project and the Dos Bocas petroleum refinery, among others. The supreme court justices also refused to lower their salaries when he took office, so this is also payback for embarrassing the presidente. I think justice is worth paying for and that they deserve compensation for being non-partisan and professional, which they seem to be, IMHO.
I believe we're in for some rocky days ahead with worsening crime and chaos in our judicial system. I wouldn't count on our new presidenta to correct this error, though I hope she proves me wrong.