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Ernestina Godoy Confirmed as Mexico’s Attorney General — Vows to End Impunity

Ernestina Godoy, 70, was confirmed by Mexico’s Senate as the new attorney general after serving in an interim role following Alejandro Gertz Manero’s resignation. Godoy pledged to avoid political prosecutions while vowing to end impunity. The Morena-led Senate approved her 97-19-11, but opposition senators criticized the selection process as lacking transparency. Godoy inherits a challenging mandate to strengthen the rule of law and restore public trust in the justice system.

08:28 AM, 12/04/2025Politics
Ernestina Godoy Confirmed as Mexico’s Attorney General — Vows to End Impunity

Mexico’s Senate on Wednesday confirmed Ernestina Godoy, a longtime legal adviser to President Claudia Sheinbaum, as the country’s new attorney general. Godoy, 70, had been serving in an interim capacity after Alejandro Gertz Manero resigned last week.

Background and credentials

Godoy served as Sheinbaum’s legal adviser after the president took office in October 2024 and previously worked as Mexico City prosecutor while Sheinbaum was mayor. Her career includes decades in public service and law, and she has been a visible figure in Mexico’s efforts to reform its justice institutions.

What she said to senators

"We won't invent culprits and there won't be political prosecutions, but from now on, I tell you: there also won't be impunity," Godoy told senators, emphasizing a pledge to balance political neutrality with accountability.

President Sheinbaum said her shortlist of candidates consisted entirely of women, saying, "It's women's time," a remark she made during her regular briefing earlier on Wednesday.

Vote and reactions

The ruling Morena party, which holds a Senate majority, confirmed Godoy by a vote of 97 in favor, 19 against and 11 null votes. Opposition lawmakers raised concerns about the selection process. Institutional Revolutionary Party Sen. Manuel Añorve Baños criticized the procedure for lacking clear rules and transparency.

About her predecessor

Alejandro Gertz Manero, 86, who resigned last week, had held public security roles since the 1970s and was appointed attorney general in January 2019 as part of a shift toward a formally independent office. His tenure, however, was frequently criticized for perceived close ties to the president who nominated him, drawing scrutiny from civil society groups. The government says Gertz Manero resigned to accept an ambassadorial posting but has not disclosed the destination.

Outlook

Godoy takes office facing high expectations to reduce impunity and strengthen the rule of law while avoiding accusations of political bias. Her confirmation underscores both the political influence of Morena in the Senate and ongoing debates about transparency and institutional independence in Mexico's justice system.

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