Mexico has imposed a temporary halt on its relationship with the United States and Canada over criticism of the country’s planned judicial overhaul.
The move is an apparent response to comments from American ambassador Ken Salazar, who described the proposal as a risk to democracy that would jeopardize Mexico’s commercial ties with the US. López Obrador claimed that Salazar did not speak on his own behalf but was rather representing the views of the State Department.
López Obrador stated during a press conference that while he does not intend to order Salazar to leave the country, he wishes for the US to demonstrate respect for Mexican sovereignty until further notice. He quipped that Mexico will “take its time” in addressing the matter, generating laughter from some journalists present.
Mexico has also taken issue with Canada’s expressions of worry about the proposed judicial changes, accusing them of interfering in internal affairs. The three nations have a significant commercial relationship valued at approximately $1.8 trillion in trade for 2022.
However, there are currently no clear indications as to how these tensions might affect their longstanding economic and diplomatic ties. Salazar has since toned down his comments, expressing an openness to dialogue while reiterating respect for Mexican sovereignty. Nevertheless, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has issued a joint statement voicing concern over the judicial overhaul and other proposed reforms that they believe may contradict commitments made in the trade agreement.
Source: Politico
