Mexico Supreme Court faces scrutiny over spending and judicial reform

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) in Mexico is facing scrutiny regarding its spending and operational efficiency following recent judicial reforms. Reports indicate that despite policies aimed at austerity, the institution has spent over 95 million pesos on medical insurance for mid-level officials this year, a figure that does not reflect the promised savings from eliminating high-level medical benefits for ministers.

Transparency investigations have also highlighted potential irregularities, including the whereabouts of nine luxury armored vehicles purchased in January and concerns regarding uncatalogued artworks inherited by the new administration. While the SCJN stated that vehicle management falls under the Judicial Administration Body (OAJ), documentation regarding their current use remains unclear.

Concurrently, retired minister Javier Laynez Potisek has expressed concern over the court’s diminished capacity to resolve legal matters. He noted that the disappearance of specialized chambers, which previously handled a high volume of cases, has forced the full court to address all matters, potentially reducing efficiency. Laynez Potisek also warned that the judicial reform has weakened constitutional control mechanisms and questioned the legitimacy of the new court integration following the electoral process.