Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is suspending diplomatic relations with the US and Canadian embassies following criticism from their ambassadors regarding his proposal for electing judges by popular vote.
He clarified that this suspension targets the embassies, not the countries, and will be lifted once the diplomats show respect for Mexico’s independence and sovereignty.
López Obrador made this announcement during his daily press briefing on Tuesday.
His judicial reform proposal is part of a broader set of constitutional amendments, which have yet to be approved by Congress.
The reforms, which were recently approved by a congressional committee, now need two-thirds support from both legislative chambers.
The proposed changes address various issues, including pensions and the energy sector, but have sparked controversy due to concerns that they might undermine the separation of powers and lead to the elimination of independent regulatory agencies.
US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, criticized the proposal last Thursday, warning that electing judges by popular vote could pose a significant risk to Mexico’s democratic functioning.
He emphasized that judicial reforms should focus on strengthening the judiciary, not exposing it to political corruption. Salazar also noted that this could affect US-Mexico trade relations, given their status as primary trading partners.
Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico, Graeme Clark, echoed concerns about investor confidence and the potential elimination of autonomous bodies.
Following López Obrador’s announcement, Salazar reiterated the US’s substantial concerns regarding the judicial reforms on social media.
US lawmakers have also expressed worries, suggesting that the judicial reforms might jeopardize critical economic and security interests, including regional trade agreements.
They are particularly concerned that some of the constitutional reforms could conflict with commitments under the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, which is set for review in 2026.
Among the proposed reforms are plans to dissolve several independent regulatory agencies, including the Personal Data Protection Institute (INAI), which had previously investigated López Obrador for disclosing a journalist’s personal phone number.
López Obrador defended his reforms, stating they aim to establish constitutional rights and enhance principles related to humanism, justice, honesty, austerity, and democracy.
