Mexican President Accuses U.S. of Domestic Interference

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador accused the United States of meddling in internal affairs during a Monday press conference. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar had criticized a judicial reform in Mexico as detrimental to democracy, which Lopez Obrador condemned as 'interventionist.' Despite the tension, Lopez Obrador assured strong trade relations with the U.S. remain intact.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador accused the United States of interfering in Mexico's domestic affairs during a press conference on Monday. Lopez Obrador responded 'yes' when asked if he believed the U.S. was using its ambassador to meddle in internal matters.

Last Thursday, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar criticized a proposed judicial reform in Mexico that would allow judges to be elected by popular vote. Salazar labeled the reform as a threat to Mexican democracy and warned it could expose the judiciary to organized crime, jeopardizing the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship. In response, Lopez Obrador blasted Salazar's critique as 'interventionist.'

Despite the diplomatic tension, Lopez Obrador emphasized the importance of respecting national sovereignty while maintaining friendly relations with both Salazar and U.S. President Joe Biden. He added that there was no 'rational' reason for a break in U.S.-Mexican trade relations, underlining the robust economic ties between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)