Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002500/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jorge Martín Frías (PfE)
The judicial elections in Mexico have raised concerns among observers and institutions[1]. The turnout was alarmingly low – barely 13 %[2] – which raises doubts about the process’ legitimacy and people’s trust in the system[3].
There is information indicating that some elected candidates have direct links to the government[4] or to organised crime groups, including drug cartels. For example, Silvia Delgado, Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán’s former lawyer, ran for judicial office[5]. This highlights the risk of criminal influence in the judiciary.
In light of the EU’s commitment to the rule of law and to promoting democratic standards globally, and considering the strategic and economic importance of relations between the EU and Latin America (given the upcoming signature of the modernised Global Agreement):
- 1.Is the Commission concerned about the low turnout and lack of transparency in these elections?
- 2.Have the EU Delegation to Mexico or any other partners provided any information about, or an assessment of, any irregularities in the election process or its credibility?
- 3.Does the Commission intend to halt the signing of the modernised Global Agreement if it is confirmed that judges linked to cartels, or with a history of links to organised crime, have been chosen?
Submitted: 23.6.2025
- [1] https://apnews.com/article/mexico-elecciones-judiciales-america-latina-justicia52452b227241af31f6239e5a59ff5113.
- [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexicos-judicial-election-turnout-likely-around-13-electoral-authority-says-2025-06-02/.
- [3] https://apnews.com/article/mexico-election-judges-morena-vote-sheinbaum-candidates668c893433d2cd8dbae07a039c47293b.
- [4] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/03/mexico-judicial-election-sheinbaum-democracy/.
- [5] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/12/mexico-judicial-election-narco-ties/.