Mexican Senate President Open to Extending Leadership Term, Calls for Clear Rules

Laura Itzel Castillo Juárez, the current president of Mexico's Senate, has signaled an openness to extending the term of the Senate's presiding officer. This discussion arises from a proposal by Senator Gerardo Fernández Noroña to lengthen the leadership period to two years, or even the entire six-year legislative term. Castillo Juárez noted that the duration of the presidency is not currently defined by formal regulations but by agreements among political factions. She believes this matter should be codified in updated regulations or the Organic Law of Congress. Castillo herself has previously introduced an initiative to modernize the Senate's rules, deeming the current ones obsolete. She recalled that in the past, the presidency of the Political Coordination Board could be held for an entire legislative term, and the annual rotation of the Senate's board was intended to foster broader participation among senators. Castillo stated she would not oppose a longer term, provided it is based on clear rules and parliamentary consensus. Regarding Noroña's potential bid to preside again, she affirmed everyone's right to compete for the position, emphasizing that democratic voting would ultimately decide. The senator also addressed other pressing issues, confirming that the Senate has not yet formally received a presidential initiative to increase penalties for femicide, while stressing the importance of combating violence against women. On the release of former Pemex director Víctor Rodríguez, Castillo underscored the separation of powers, explaining the judicial decision was conditional upon the victim's pardon. She added that the Secretariat of Women, which she will lead starting in September, provided support throughout the process. Castillo also advocated for a broad debate on proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility.