US ambassador to Mexico calls proposed judicial overhaul a democracy 'risk' and economic threat
The U.S. ambassador to Mexico is calling a judicial overhaul proposed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador a “risk” to the country's democracy
MEXICO CITY (AP) — U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar said Thursday a judicial overhaul proposed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador poses a “risk" to Mexico's democracy and "threatens the historic commercial relationship” between Mexico and the U.S.
The proposal, including a provision to require judges be elected, has spurred a fierce outcry from investors and financial institutions in recent days, with the Mexican peso steadily dropping in currency markets.
“Democracies can't function without a strong, independent and non-corrupt judicial branch,” Salazar told reporters. “Any judicial reform needs to have safeguards that the judicial branch is strengthened, and not the subject to political conditions.”
He said the proposed overhaul would "help cartels and other bad actors take advantage of inexperienced judges with political motivations,” and “create turbulence” both economically and politically for years to come.
