**International Association of Judges Rejects Mexican Judicial Reform; US Ambassador Reaffirms Respect for Mexican Sovereignty**
**By Carlos Álvarez Acevedo**
On August 27, 2024, the International Association of Judges (IAJ) expressed its deep concerns over the proposed judicial reforms in Mexico’s Federal Judiciary. According to IAJ, headquartered in Rome, Italy, these changes threaten the independence of the judiciary and may violate widely accepted international principles.
The IAJ, which represents 92 judicial associations worldwide, pointed out that the government’s proposal—including the popular election of judges, magistrates, and ministers—could undermine merit-based judicial appointments and introduce unacceptable levels of influence from the executive and legislative branches as well as the public. They warned that such reforms could disrupt the principles of judicial independence and the separation of powers.
The IAJ called for the Mexican federal executive to reconsider, emphasizing the need to align the reforms with international standards to ensure judicial independence. The organization noted that interference with judicial security could only be justified through disciplinary processes or other official procedures proving a judge’s incapacity.
Additionally, the IAJ referenced the Ibero-American Statute of Judges, which underscores the necessity of respect for the judiciary’s independence by all state powers and organizations. The association insists that judicial reforms should be consistent with established principles to safeguard citizen rights to an independent judiciary free from external pressures.
In Mexico, the National Association of Circuit Judges and Federal District Judges shared the IAJ’s full statement on social media and echoed the call for reconsideration.
**US Response**
Kenneth Lee Salazar, US Ambassador to Mexico, echoed respect for Mexico’s sovereignty in response to a diplomatic note from the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations (SRE) regarding his comments on the judicial reform proposal. The US Embassy affirmed its ongoing support for judicial reforms that enhance independence, autonomy, and legitimacy within the Mexican judiciary.
While the US respects Mexico’s sovereignty, the ambassador stressed the importance of joint efforts to overcome shared security challenges and economic integration in North America. The Embassy expressed concerns that popular elections for judges might not address judicial corruption or strengthen judicial integrity.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticized Ambassador Salazar’s comments, viewing them as an intrusively disrespectful act, likening it to historical US interventionist policies under the Monroe Doctrine. López Obrador reiterated Mexico’s commitment to judicial independence and denounced any foreign intervention in domestic matters.
The SRE expressed its dismay over the Ambassador’s statement, reiterating Mexico’s dedication to reinforcing rule of law through democratic processes. They emphasized that such declarations contradicted mutual respect between the countries.
**Additional Context on the Judicial Reform Controversy**
Recent reports indicate that both Democratic and Republican senators in the United States have voiced concerns about the potential implications of Mexico’s judicial reform on democracy and bilateral relations. Analysts argue that the reform could compromise judicial impartiality and independence, pivotal for upholding the rule of law and maintaining stable economic and security dynamics between the two nations.
In parallel developments, President López Obrador has critiqued the Supreme Court of Mexico, alleging breaches in the law and calling for political trials against justices who rule against government interests.
These unfolding events underscore significant international and domestic scrutiny over Mexico’s judicial reform efforts, highlighting the broader implications for governance, judicial independence, and international relations.
For more updates on the judicial reform controversy and related international reactions, visit TJGringo.com.