A top U.S. diplomat has said that Mexico judiciary’s proposed reforms threaten its democracy and its relationship with the States. His Canadian counterpart has also warned of investor worries
The controversial reform proposed that all judges be elected by popular vote. This reform is set for a congressional vote in September.
“I believe popular direct election of judges is a major risk to the functioning of Mexico’s democracy,” U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar said.
He added that Mexico’s judiciary would be more vulnerable from organised crime through this reform. This would undermine confidence in the country’s judicial system.
“Direct elections would also make it easier for bad actors to take advantage of politically motivated and inexperienced judges,” he said.
The comments represent a significant intensifying of tensions between the two nations over the issue.
On Thursday, Canadian Ambassador Graeme Clark also criticized the reform at an event.
“My investors are concerned, they want stability, they want a judicial system that works if there are problems,” he said.
Mexico’s presidency and foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mexican ruling party Senator Ricardo Monreal said that he thought Salazar had “not read the reform all the way through.” He also argued that judges were elected in several U.S. states.
Incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum has also defended outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s judicial proposal.
Salazar added that the politics of the process would threaten the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship. He added that it “relies on investors’ confidence in Mexico’s legal framework.”
Mexico’s markets have also been on edge since Lopez Obrador’s Morena party won more congressional seats than forecast in a June national election. This effectively guarantees the ability to pass constitutional reforms when the new Congress takes office in September.
