US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, has issued a stark warning about the proposed judicial reform in Mexico, spearheaded by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Salazar expressed grave concerns that the reform, which includes the direct election of judges and magistrates through popular vote, could significantly undermine Mexico’s democracy and jeopardize the economic relationship between the United States and Mexico.’The direct election of judges represents a greater risk for the functioning of Mexico’s democracy and the integration of the Mexico-US-Canada economies,’ Salazar stated. He emphasized that any judicial reform must include safeguards to ensure the judiciary is strengthened and not subject to political corruption.Salazar, drawing from his experience as a lawyer and senator, warned that the proposed reform could eliminate crucial requirements for qualified judges, including reduced experience requirements. He cautioned that this could lead to ‘inexperienced judges with political motivations’, potentially making it easier for ‘cartels and other malicious actors’ to exploit the system.The ambassador’s concerns extend beyond the judicial system itself. Salazar warned that the reform could threaten the historic commercial relationship between the US and Mexico, which depends on investor confidence in Mexico’s legal framework. He stated, ‘If the elections of judges in 2025 and 2027 are approved, they threaten the historic commercial relationship we have built’.While acknowledging the need to address corruption in Mexico’s judiciary, Salazar argued that the proposed direct election of judges would not solve this issue. Instead, he believes it could weaken the judiciary and create turbulence in the region. The ambassador’s statements represent the most forceful stance taken by the US government against the judicial reform, reflecting growing distrust among US investors, Mexico’s main commercial partners.As tensions rise over this issue, the debate continues to unfold in Mexico. President López Obrador has accused the Council of Coordinating Enterprises (CCE) of trying to undermine the Constitution, while some of Mexico’s wealthiest individuals have begun to weigh in on the controversy. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for Mexico’s democratic institutions and its economic relationships within North America.
Key points
- US Ambassador Ken Salazar warns that Mexico’s proposed judicial reform poses risks to democracy and economic relations.
- The direct election of judges could lead to inexperienced, politically motivated judges vulnerable to exploitation by cartels.
- The reform threatens investor confidence and the historic US-Mexico commercial relationship.
- Salazar argues the reform would not solve judicial corruption but could weaken the judiciary.
Contradictions👾While Salazar acknowledges the need for judicial reform in Mexico, he strongly opposes the current proposal, creating a tension between recognizing the need for change and disagreeing with the proposed method.
