Protesters storm Mexican senate, forcing pause on judicial reform debate

11/9/2024 8:00

        Mexican senators hurled insults on Tuesday in a tense session ahead of a vote on a controversial judicial reform, with opposition lawmakers accusing the ruling bloc of underhand tactics to ensure they secure the votes needed for its approval.
        
        The vote is expected to be tight, with the ruling coalition formally one senator short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass the constitutional reform, which will overhaul the country's judiciary by popularly electing judges and cutting the amount of experience needed to hold posts.
        
        Protesters blocked roads and waved Mexican flags outside the Senate building in opposition of the reform, which has prompted widespread demonstrations in recent weeks.
        
        Opposition senators said Daniel Barreda, senator of the opposition Citizens Movement party from Campeche, had been detained and accused the ruling bloc of being involved so that he would not be able to vote.