### US Deputy Secretary of State Supports Ambassador in Mexico; Expresses Concerns Over AMLO’s Reforms
On August 28, 2024, Brian A. Nichols, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, expressed his support for Kenneth Lee Salazar, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Ambassador Salazar had earlier raised alarms on August 22, 2024, regarding the judicial reform introduced by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) to the Mexican Congress on February 5, 2024. The reform, which includes the direct election of judges, has been a point of concern, with Salazar suggesting it could jeopardize the functioning of democracy and the economic integration of the two nations.
“@USAmbMex Salazar and I share a continual respect for Mexico’s sovereignty. The United States and Mexico must work together as equal partners to promote security and prosperity in North America. We share our concerns about the proposed constitutional reforms as partners and friends,” tweeted Nichols, emphasizing the shared apprehensions regarding AMLO’s reforms.
During a hearing of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs on June 12, 2024, Nichols, underlining Mexico’s sovereignty, nonetheless highlighted the importance of judicial transparency for investors from both Mexico and abroad, particularly from the United States and Canada. He stressed the need for the upcoming Mexican government to cherish the foreign investments protected under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Nichols reiterated that it remains critical for all USMCA signatories to uphold foreign investment protection provisions, irrespective of changes in Mexico’s legal framework. Addressing the proposal of “nearshoring,” Nichols pointed out to Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the likely presidential successor, that as a scientist, she could be persuaded by the factual importance of judicial transparency and its positive impact on economic collaboration.
On August 27, 2024, in response to diplomatic criticisms from the U.S. and Canadian ambassadors, President López Obrador announced a temporary pause in relations between the Mexican government and these embassies. Sheinbaum Pardo, in her capacity as the President-elect, supported this move, maintaining that decisions regarding Mexico’s judicial composition were essentially a domestic matter.
Sheinbaum Pardo stated, “We have a very good relationship with the United States and Canada; they are our commercial partners. However, there are issues that exclusively concern the Mexican people, such as the formation of the Judiciary.”
On the same day, Salazar shared, via X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. response to a diplomatic note from Mexico’s Foreign Ministry dated August 22, 2024. The U.S. embassy reiterated its respect for Mexico’s sovereignty and acknowledged Mexico’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law through judicial reform. However, concerns remained that the proposed election of judges might not effectively address judicial corruption or reinforce judicial integrity in Mexico.
The embassy emphasized the importance of continued collaboration as equal partners, focusing on shared goals and challenges, underscoring that U.S. involvement aimed at mutual benefit rather than interference in domestic affairs.
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### Updates: Recent Developments on Judicial Reform Debate
#### Mexican Judicial Reform Debate Intensifies Amidst International Scrutiny
The controversy surrounding Mexico’s proposed judicial reform continues to garner international attention. Most recently, the U.S. State Department reiterated its stance that judicial independence and transparency are paramount for maintaining investor confidence under the USMCA framework.
A senior official from Canada also weighed in, echoing similar concerns about the potential risks the judicial reform might pose to bilateral trade and economic stability in North America. The Canadian government emphasized the importance of upholding the legal safeguards that underpin the entire USMCA agreement.
Meanwhile, political analysts in Mexico argue that the direct election of judges could democratize the judiciary but also warn of possible unintended consequences, such as politicization of the judicial process.
Public opinion in Mexico remains divided, with some segments of the population supporting AMLO’s move to make the judiciary more accountable to voters, while others fear that it could erode judicial independence.
As discussions unfold both domestically and internationally, the Mexican Congress is set to debate the reform in the coming month. Lawmakers from different parties are gearing up for what promises to be a heated session, with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic and economic fabric.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for further updates on this developing story.