Debate Heats Up Over Mexico's Judicial Reform Amid International Criticism

Mexico's Congress will debate a controversial judicial reform next week, despite concerns from Canada and the U.S. The reform proposes electing judges by popular vote, which has been criticized for potentially impacting democracy and investments. Mexican President Lopez Obrador defends the reform as necessary for democracy.

A controversial reform of Mexico's judiciary is set to be debated and voted on in Congress next week, amid friction with Canada and the United States that have voiced concerns over the impact on investment and trade.

Canada's government has noted investors' concerns about the reform, which proposes electing judges by popular vote. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, has called the reform a 'major risk to the functioning of Mexico's democracy.' In response, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has paused relations with the Canadian and U.S. embassies over what he describes as disrespect to Mexico's sovereignty.

Congress will prioritize the judicial reform, with debates starting on Sunday. Ruling party legislator Ricardo Monreal stressed the importance of discussion, ruling out a rushed passage. The reform, approved by a congressional commission, aims to overhaul the judiciary but faces criticism for potentially enabling executive power and criminal influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)