Judicial strikes grow in Mexico over reform pushing currency lower

FILE PHOTO: Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador looks on, as Mexico's Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez (not pictured) informs of the detention of drug traffickers Joaquin Guzman Lopez, El Chapo Guzman's son, and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, during a press conference at the National Palace, in Mexico City, Mexico July 26, 2024. REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Judges and magistrates joined a strike on Wednesday as protests against a judicial reform pushed by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gained momentum, weighing on markets with the peso falling over 2%.

The controversial reform, by which judges - including Supreme Court justices - would be elected by popular vote, is a top priority for Lopez Obrador, who argues it will help combat impunity and corruption.