Mexican President Defends Judicial Reform Amidst U.S. Criticism

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticized U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar's remarks against his judicial reform bill as disrespectful and interventionist. Salazar warned that the plan threatens Mexican democracy and U.S.-Mexico trade. Lopez Obrador defended the reform, stressing it would combat corruption. The proposal is expected to pass in September.

Mexico's president on Friday blasted the U.S. ambassador's criticism of his judicial reform bill as disrespectful, citing a long history of U.S. 'interventionist policy' in the Americas. Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has prioritized passing the judicial overhaul in his final weeks in office. The controversial measure would see judges elected by popular vote.

On Thursday, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar called the proposal a threat to Mexican democracy, claiming it would expose the judiciary to organized crime and jeopardize U.S.-Mexico trade relations. These comments mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations over the issue.

At his regular morning press conference, Lopez Obrador staunchly defended the reform, set for a congressional vote in September during his final month in office. He argued it would help Mexican judges combat corruption and clean up corrupt elements within the judiciary. With sweeping congressional majorities, the president's Morena party is likely to secure the two-thirds vote needed to amend the constitution.

'There has been a lack of respect for our sovereignty, like this unfortunate, reckless statement from Ambassador Ken Salazar yesterday,' Lopez Obrador said. 'We don't accept any representative of foreign governments intervening in affairs that only correspond to us.'

Later on Friday, incoming Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the proposal would not harm trade ties, including the upcoming review of the USMCA trade pact in 2026. 'What are you talking about?' he quipped in English, before switching to Spanish. 'Don't threaten us with that.'

Ebrard, set to lead trade negotiations under President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, accused Salazar of hypocrisy, noting that many U.S. judges are elected, although federal judges and Supreme Court justices are appointed.

The Mexican proposal plans for all Supreme Court justices to be elected via a vote next year, alongside half of the magistrates and judges, with another vote for remaining positions in 2027.

(With inputs from agencies.)