Mexico City, Mexico — In a significant development in Mexico’s foreign relations, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) announced on Tuesday morning that the relationship with the United States Embassy in Mexico is “on pause.” This decision follows recent critical comments by Ken Salazar, the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission, concerning the controversial reform to the Judicial Branch promoted by AMLO and supported by President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum.
During his daily morning press conference, López Obrador stated that diplomatic relations with both the United States and Canada have been put on hold due to their respective ambassadors’ public statements regarding the potential approval of the Reform to the Judicial Branch of the Federation (PJF). The president emphasized that the pause in diplomatic relations would continue until the U.S. and Canadian representatives issue a clarification or apology.
“For the pause in relations to end, it is necessary that there be a clarification from them, an apology, whatever; that they express that the issue of the constitution of our government, in the application of our democracy, in the decisions that our legal, legitimately constituted government makes, well, they have to be respectful,” López Obrador asserted.
The Mexican president underscored that Mexico’s sovereignty is non-negotiable and that he would not tolerate foreign interference in the nation’s internal affairs. “How are we going to allow the ambassador [Ken Salazar], with all due respect, to think that what we are doing is wrong? We are not going to allow any violation of our sovereignty,” AMLO declared, firmly rejecting any external commentary on Mexico’s domestic policies.
The diplomatic tension was sparked on August 22, when U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar voiced his concerns about the proposed judicial reform. In an official statement shared through U.S. government channels, Salazar argued that the direct election of judges—a key component of the reform—posed a significant risk to the integrity of Mexico’s democracy. “Based on my lifelong experience supporting the rule of law, I believe that the direct election of judges represents a major risk to the functioning of Mexico’s democracy. Any judicial reform must have safeguards that guarantee that the judiciary is strengthened and not subject to the corruption of politics,” the ambassador stated.
Canadian Ambassador Graeme C. Clark also expressed reservations about the judicial reform during the Mexico-Canada business forum “CanCham Day 2024.” Ambassador Clark highlighted concerns about the reform’s potential impact on the stability of Mexico’s legal framework, which he described as crucial for maintaining the confidence of foreign investors.
The proposed judicial reform, which has sparked intense debate within Mexico, includes measures that would allow for the direct election of judges by the public, a move proponents argue would increase transparency and accountability. Critics, however, fear it could politicize the judiciary and undermine its independence.
The Mexican government’s response to the foreign diplomats’ statements has been swift and unequivocal, reflecting the administration’s broader commitment to asserting national sovereignty in the face of perceived external pressures. As the situation unfolds, the diplomatic pause signals a period of heightened tension between Mexico and two of its most significant international partners, with potential implications for bilateral relations, trade, and cooperation on various fronts.
The U.S. and Canadian embassies have not yet publicly responded to President López Obrador’s remarks or the pause in diplomatic relations. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation for further developments, particularly as Mexico continues to navigate the complex dynamics of its judicial reform process.
