Mexican lawmaker Ricardo Monreal voiced concerns over the purchase of luxury vehicles for Supreme Court justices, arguing it contradicts the austerity principles of the Fourth Transformation. The SCJN justified the acquisition for security reasons, but the Morena legislator stressed the need for consistency among public officials.
The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) announced on Thursday the renewal of its vehicle fleet with the purchase of nine Jeep Cherokee SUVs, one for each justice. This decision came just five months after the justices assumed their roles, aimed at ensuring the security and protection of those in high institutional positions. According to the Court's statement, the previous units no longer met necessary standards. Each vehicle costs between 1.069 million and 1.777 million pesos, excluding potential adaptations like armor.
In response, Morena's coordinator in the Chamber of Deputies, Ricardo Monreal, criticized the purchase in an interview. "Our philosophy as a movement contradicts that type of acts," he stated, acknowledging that the public is right to question such expenditures. Monreal emphasized that public servants must exemplify austerity and consistency, admitting that excesses sometimes violate Morena's political doctrine. However, he noted that 99 percent of party members and supporters adhere to it, while a small percentage distorts it.
The lawmaker was cautious about interfering in another branch of government. "It's their matter. I don't want to meddle in another power, because I don't want them to meddle with me," he said. This controversy highlights tensions between the austerity ideals promoted by the Fourth Transformation government and practices seen by the public as contradictory.
