Mexico suspends diplomatic ties with U.S. over criticism of judiciary changes

Tuesday saw a sharp rise in hostilities as Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador declared that his government was “pausing” diplomatic ties with the US. This decision comes in direct response to criticism from U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar regarding López Obrador’s proposed overhaul of Mexico’s judiciary.

López Obrador’s judicial reforms, which aim to replace the current system of specialized judicial appointments with one based on public elections, have been met with fierce opposition both domestically and internationally. The changes could potentially remove over 5,000 judges from their positions, from the Supreme Court to local courts. The president argues that these reforms are necessary to combat corruption and improve judicial integrity, but critics suggest they are a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power and undermine judicial independence.

The diplomatic rift began when Salazar criticized the reforms as a “major risk” to Mexico’s democratic stability, suggesting that the changes could erode confidence in Mexico’s legal framework and embolden criminal elements. López Obrador responded by freezing diplomatic engagements with the U.S., including interactions with the State Department, though he stressed that trade relations would remain unaffected.

“Hopefully there will be a statement from them that they are going to be respectful of the independence of Mexico,” López Obrador said during a press conference. He emphasized that this pause is intended to address the perceived interference and restore diplomatic balance.

This move highlights the growing friction between the two nations over Mexico’s internal policies and the broader implications for regional stability and international relations. As Mexico’s Congress prepares to vote on the reforms, the pause in diplomacy underscores the complex interplay between national policy and international relations.