Mexico Freezes Relations with US, Canadian Ambassadors

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced a 'pause' in diplomatic relations with the U.S. and Canadian embassies following criticism from their ambassadors regarding his proposed judicial reform, which would allow judges to be elected by popular vote. López Obrador emphasized that this pause is specifically with the ambassadors, Ken Salazar and Graeme C. Clark, and does not affect broader relations with their respective governments. He rebuked the ambassadors for what he deemed 'unacceptable interference' in Mexico's sovereignty, asserting the need for respect towards the country's independence. The reform, which is set for approval in September, has been labeled a risk to democracy and could facilitate cartel influence in the judiciary, according to Salazar. López Obrador maintains that the overhaul is necessary for democratizing the justice system, despite warnings from both U.S. and Canadian officials about potential corruption and political manipulation. The situation underscores ongoing tensions in U.S.-Mexico relations amid significant political changes.