Diplomatic Clash: Mexico Protests US Criticism of Judicial Overhaul

Mexico has issued a diplomatic note condemning the US for alleged interference following comments by Ambassador Ken Salazar criticizing Mexico's proposed judicial overhaul. President López Obrador labeled the remarks as disrespectful, while critics fear the reforms could compromise judicial independence. Financial institutions have downgraded investment recommendations for Mexico amid these tensions.

Mexico has issued a diplomatic note protesting supposed US interference after American Ambassador Ken Salazar criticized a proposed overhaul of the Mexican judiciary. The reforms would require judges to stand for election, a move critics say jeopardizes judicial independence and risks undermining Mexico's democracy.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador described Salazar's comments as "disrespectful of our national sovereignty." He hopes such incidents will not recur. On Thursday, Salazar warned that the proposed changes pose a "risk" to Mexico's democracy and threaten the longstanding commercial relationship between the two countries.

Financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley and Citibanamex, have voiced concerns, with the Mexican peso dropping as a result. Strikes by federal court workers are also taking place in response to the proposal, which would allow anyone with a law degree to become a judge through popular vote. If approved, critics say the changes could lead to politicized courts and weakened checks and balances.

(With inputs from agencies.)