Two men in white guayaberas pose together outdoors on a sunny day, one of them holding a decorated cane, and both smiling at the camera. — Aguilar worked as a coordinator of indigenous consultations for AMLO | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Aguilar worked as a coordinator of indigenous consultations for AMLO | La Derecha Diario

Hugo Aguilar and AMLO: the connection that casts doubt on the independence of the judiciary

During AMLO's administration, Hugo Aguilar served as the coordinator of indigenous consultations for projects such as the Tren Maya

05/06/2025 01:35:00h

Editorial Team

Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, a Mixtec attorney originally from Oaxaca, is emerging as the next president of the Supreme Court after obtaining the highest number of votes in the recent judicial elections.

His rise has caused concerns due to his closeness to former presidentAndrés Manuel López Obrador and his involvement in controversial government projects.

Man with glasses and a mustache wearing orange and white flower garlands, hand on his chest, at a public event in front of a sign and accompanied by other people

Hugo Aguilar is a lawyer for indigenous rights and is very close to AMLO | La Derecha Diario

Ties to the 4T and megaprojects

During AMLO's administration, Aguilar played a key role in coordinating indigenous consultations for projects such as the Tren Maya and the Interoceanic Corridor. These consultations have been criticized for not meeting international standards of free, prior and informed consent.

His closeness to the previous administration and his role in promoting these projects have led to questions about his independence and ability to lead the SCJN impartially.

A gray-haired man in a white jersey looks at a colorful painting featuring the portrait of a serious face, while another person holds the artwork and several people watch in the background.

Aguilar has shown his closeness and admiration for AMLO on many occasions | La Derecha Diario

On social media, numerous voices have expressed concern about Aguilar's loyalty to López Obrador, pointing out that he prioritized the former president's interests over those of indigenous communities.

These criticisms reflect a broader concern about the politicization of the judiciary and Morena's influence in the selection of judges and magistrates.

Toward an identity policy

Aguilar will be the second indigenous president of the SCJN since Benito Juárez, something that the ruling party repeats every day in the morning press conference. According to them, his appointment represents a milestone in the representation of indigenous peoples in the country's highest court.

However, his career and political tieshave raised doubts among much of the population. Even from Mixtec indigenous groups, the people he comes from, they warn that he will not defend indigenous rights.

Man in a white embroidered jersey speaking into a microphone and gesturing with his hand in front of a group of people in an indoor setting

The lawyer of Mixtec origin will become the president of the Supreme Court | La Derecha Diario

Questions about legitimacy

There are numerous questions about the legitimacy of this vote. There was very low turnout in the judicial elections, with only 13% of the electorate. There were also complaints about the distribution of "cheat sheets" with voting instructions by Morena supporters.

These situations fuel suspicions about the legitimacy of the process and the autonomy of the new members of the SCJN.

On September 1, Hugo Aguilar will assume the presidency of the SCJN in a context of growing concern about the independence of the judiciary. For many, Morena has already gained control of all three branches of government and will have no governmental checks and balances.

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