### Sheinbaum Urges Salazar to Thoroughly Review Judicial Reform; Sovereignty First, Then T-MEC, Says AMLO
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the President-elect of Mexico, urged Kenneth Lee Salazar, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, to take a closer look at the proposed judicial reforms, emphasizing that this is a matter solely for Mexicans to decide. Speaking from her transition house in Iztapalapa, Sheinbaum predicted that the reform would lead to greater judicial autonomy.
“This issue pertains to Mexicans, and it should be worked on and communicated to the United States from our perspective,” Sheinbaum stated during a conference. She emphasized that any concerns about losing autonomy were unfounded and that the reform would, in fact, increase the judiciary’s independence.
Earlier that day, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) declared that the U.S. Ambassador had no say in the judicial reform. He emphasized that Mexico would rather face penalties under the USMCA than yield its sovereignty.
AMLO highlighted that the trade agreement between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada primarily addresses commercial matters and does not make Mexico a subsidiary of these countries. He asserted that the reform is a sovereign decision of the Mexican people and should not be up for debate with international representatives.
Both the U.S. and Canadian Chambers of Commerce in Mexico called for careful evaluation of the judicial reform, cautioning that it could introduce risks to judicial independence and increase uncertainty for investors.
Representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Mexico shared their concerns, urging dialogue to fully understand the potential consequences of the reform. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce echoed these sentiments, indicating that the reforms could negatively impact certainty and transparency in Mexico’s judicial system, urging further discussions with both current and incoming government representatives.
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### Related News: U.S. and Canadian Chambers of Commerce Express Concerns Over Mexico’s Judicial Reform
On the same day, the U.S. and Canadian Chambers of Commerce in Mexico voiced their concerns about the judicial reform and the potential elimination of various autonomous constitutional bodies. Both chambers stressed the importance of maintaining judicial independence and ensuring a professional justice system to attract and retain investment.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico highlighted the risks posed by the reform, which could delay the professionalization of specialized justice and increase costs and uncertainty for investors. They urged continued dialogue with the Mexican government to address these concerns.
Similarly, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce pointed out that the proposed reforms could disrupt transparency and professionalism within the judiciary. They emphasized a willingness to engage in constructive and proactive dialogue with Mexico’s current and incoming government officials.
These business entities underline the significant investments they have in Mexico, employing millions of Mexicans, and stress that careful evaluation and continued discussion are crucial to mitigating the potential negative impacts on investment and legal certainty in the country.
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### Additional Insights:
#### AMLO’s Resolute Stand on National Sovereignty
President AMLO has been unwavering in his stance on national sovereignty, stating that no foreign government should interfere in Mexico’s internal affairs. He contrasted his position with hypothetical scenarios where Mexican officials might seek to influence U.S. domestic policies, such as arms sales, illustrating the importance of respecting national sovereignty.
#### The Impact on Trade Relations
The ongoing debate around the judicial reform has implications for trade relations between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. While the USMCA facilitates economic and commercial cooperation, AMLO insists that it should not compromise Mexico’s sovereignty. This balance between upholding national autonomy and fostering international trade partnerships remains a focal point in the dialogue surrounding the judicial reform.
### Conclusion
The discussions surrounding Mexico’s judicial reform are shaping up to be a significant issue in the country’s relationship with its North American trade partners. Both national leaders and international businesses are carefully watching the developments, underscoring the need for thoughtful dialogue and strategic decision-making.
These unfolding events highlight the complexity of sovereignty, judicial independence, and international trade dynamics in Mexico’s evolving political landscape. As the discussions continue, the resolutions reached will likely have lasting impacts on the country’s legal and economic framework.