Breathe
By Ivabelle Arroyo
Minister Lenia Batres, with no judicial experience, was not appointed to make use of her legal expertise, but to play a political role. By the looks of her swearing in, Batres will do well and will also play a relevant role in the corridors of the Supreme Court, not because of her judging quality, but because of her commitment and capacity to multiply the word of the Lord. Of Mr. President, of course.
The new minister surprised us with a powerful, carefully crafted speech, designed to resonate with the public and serve propaganda purposes. That speech was designed to say who she will be and how evil the environment she enters is.
Batres proudly stated that she is "the Minister of the people", which not only positions her as a representative rather than an arbitrator (as a politician and not as a judge) but also reveals that her efforts will be oriented towards the tribune, not the court.
Justice will be the stage, and oratory will carry more weight than legal analysis. Or so he seeks.
I remind you that your vote will not change the balance in a Court of eleven justices. His inclination and militancy do not move the balance towards the current regime, since he replaces Arturo Zaldivar, who was limping on the same leg. His voice, however, should not be underestimated.
The minister presents herself as a haranguer with the desire to move emotions and perceptions among Mexicans who seek a more equitable justice, among those who already have a negative opinion of the highest court and those who believe that the intentions of the President and his minister are to improve the judicial system.
This doesn't seem harmful in the first instance, but it's tricky. Let's see, is the Court really dysfunctional, or is that a selective interpretation designed to consolidate a narrative?
The minister lacks judicial experience but apparently she does know how to play the role for which she was sent by the president. Her political role will depend on her ability to effectively manipulate popular concerns. Her slogans will outweigh her rulings. Her vote will not weigh much, but her voice will be powerful and damaging. That is what she has experience in, and that is what she was elected to do.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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