Mexico Halts Diplomatic Ties Over Judicial Reform

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced a 'pause' in diplomatic relations with the United States and Canada following concerns over his proposed judicial overhaul, which critics argue could undermine judicial independence. This controversial proposal, which includes allowing citizens to elect judges, has sparked significant protests and criticism from various stakeholders, including U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar, who labeled it a 'risk' to democracy. López Obrador criticized Salazar's comments as a violation of Mexican sovereignty, suggesting they originated from the U.S. State Department, and expressed that the pause would continue until the embassies respect Mexico's independence. He also accused Canada of interfering in Mexico's internal affairs. The commercial relationship among the three countries is vital, valued at approximately $1.8 trillion in 2022, and the evolving tensions could pose challenges for President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum's incoming administration. Notably, this diplomatic pause echoes a previous instance in 2022 when López Obrador similarly halted relations with Spain over an energy dispute.