Mexico Advances Controversial Judicial Reform

Mexico's lower house of Congress has provisionally approved a controversial judicial reform proposed by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, which advocates for the popular election of over 7,000 judges, including Supreme Court justices. This initiative has prompted significant opposition, including strikes from judicial workers, and concerns from U.S. business groups regarding its potential to undermine judicial independence and investment certainty. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar has warned that the reform threatens Mexican democracy and could expose the judiciary to organized crime, straining U.S.-Mexico trade relations. In response, Lopez Obrador accused the U.S. of interference in Mexico's affairs, asserting the need for national sovereignty. Meanwhile, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum supports the reforms, claiming they would enhance democracy. Analysts anticipate that the ruling Morena party will secure enough votes to pass the reform in the new Congress session starting next month.