The controversy surrounding Mexico’s proposed judicial reform has intensified, with US Ambassador Ken Salazar offering dialogue while maintaining his concerns about the direct election of judges. Salazar stated that his previous criticisms were ‘in the spirit of collaboration’ and expressed willingness to discuss different models of judicial selection, including retention elections.However, Mexican officials have responded strongly to Salazar’s comments. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador called the ambassador’s statements ‘unfortunate and imprudent’ and accused the US of interference in Mexico’s internal affairs. The Mexican government sent a diplomatic note to the US expressing ‘deep astonishment’ at Salazar’s comments and affirming that the reform aims to strengthen the rule of law.President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum and incoming Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard defended the reform, pointing out that 43 of the 50 US states elect judges by popular vote. Ebrard challenged Salazar’s criticism, stating, ‘Dear Ken, do you think it’s okay to elect judges in the US, but not in Mexico?’ The debate has raised questions about the potential impact on the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While Salazar warned that the reform could threaten the commercial relationship between the countries, Mexican officials insist that the USMCA does not address the selection process of judges.As the Mexican Congress prepares to discuss and potentially approve the reform in September, the controversy highlights the complex dynamics of US-Mexico relations and the challenges of balancing national sovereignty with international partnerships.
Key points
- US Ambassador Ken Salazar offers dialogue on Mexico’s judicial reform while maintaining concerns about direct election of judges.
- Mexican officials, including AMLO and Claudia Sheinbaum, strongly defend the reform and accuse the US of interference.
- The controversy highlights differences in judicial selection processes between the US and Mexico, with potential implications for the USMCA.
Contradictions👾While Salazar warns that the reform could threaten US-Mexico commercial relations, Mexican officials insist that the USMCA does not address judicial selection processes.
