AMLO announces 'pause' in diplomatic relations with U.S. over criticism of judicial overhaul

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has announced a "pause" in the country's diplomatic relations with the U.S. after the latter's ambassador to the nation criticized his initiative to overhaul the judiciary. He said the decision also extends to Canada, whose representative also expressed concern over the measure.

"They have to learn to respect the sovereignty of Mexico," said AMLO during his daily news conference. He went on to say that he hadn't requested the American ambassador to leave the country, "but we do have to read him the Constitution." And added that while the government was not communicating with the American and Canadian embassies, the broader relationship continued as normal.

The initiative's main sticking point is the goal for judges to be directly appointed through elections, a highly uncommon measure in most countries. While AMLO argues the overhaul is essential for democratizing Mexico's judicial system, the Biden administration warned it could undermine its integrity and pose risks to the trilateral economic relationship with Canada.

The comments came from U.S. ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, who suggested that the reform could make the judiciary more susceptible to corruption and political manipulation, particularly by criminal organizations. His Canadian counterpart made similar statements.

"Based on my lifelong experience supporting the rule of law, I believe popular direct elections of judges is a major risk to the functioning of Mexico's democracy," said Salazar during a passage of the press conference.

Courts have historically ruled some of AMLO's legislative efforts, including controversial changes to the country's electoral institute. He has complained about the judiciary, calling Supreme Court judges a "power mafia" and said judges should be elected like officials from the executive and legislative branches. The overhaul would also reduce their term, tie their salaries to those of the executive branch and create a judicial disciplinary tribunal.

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, a member of AMLO's Morena party and his protegé, has said she supports the initiative. She is set to take office on October 1 to begin a six-year term.