AMLO pauses relationship with U.S. and Canadian embassies over judicial reform.

In an unexpected turn in Mexico's foreign policy, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has decided to "pause" his relationship with the embassies of the United States and Canada. This measure arises from warnings issued by diplomats regarding the potential risks associated with the judicial reform that the president has proposed, which includes the popular election of judges, magistrates, and ministers of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation. During his morning conference, AMLO emphasized that this measure does not imply a complete break in relations. "The relationship continues, but I hope there will be a ratification from them that they will respect Mexico's independence," he stated, clarifying that the pause is limited to the ambassadors of the United States and Canada, Ken Salazar and Graeme C. Clark, respectively. This decision suggests a slight hardening of Mexico's stance in response to external criticisms of its internal policies. The judicial reform in question, which could lead Mexicans to the polls in 2025 to elect their judges and magistrates, has generated intense debate among various sectors of society and government. While some see it as a step towards greater democratization of the judicial system, others criticize the potential politicization of justice and the lack of guarantees for due process. In this context, the intervention of foreign ambassadors has been interpreted by AMLO as interference in internal affairs, which has increased diplomatic tensions. It is important to note that the pause in relations will not affect connections with the governments of the United States and Canada, a nuance that the president has made an effort to clarify. However, this episode raises questions about the future of bilateral relations, especially at a critical moment when Mexico is about to face the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026. This treaty requires a framework of legal security that could be compromised if the reform is implemented without a clear consensus. AMLO also referred to the importance of Mexican sovereignty and respect for the Constitution, which states in its Article 89 that the president must act according to the principles of non-intervention. This defense of sovereignty has become a recurring theme in AMLO's administration, as he has advocated for a foreign policy that prioritizes national interests over external pressures. In a broader context, it is relevant to consider how this "pause" could impact the migrant population. Recently, it was announced that migrants will be able to manage their asylum appointments with the United States from Mexico's southern border, representing a significant change in the handling of the migration crisis. However, the tense relationship with the ambassadors could complicate these efforts, as greater diplomatic pressure may arise around issues of human rights and access to asylum. AMLO's administration faces complex challenges that require a delicate balance between national sovereignty and international relations. While the president defends his judicial reform, he also operates in an environment where external perceptions of governance in Mexico are crucial for maintaining investment and cooperation among North American countries. The lack of constructive dialogue with the United States and Canada could lead to diplomatic isolation, a scenario that no one desires. In the meantime, the internal debate over the judicial reform will continue, and it is likely that voices both for and against will intensify in the coming months. In conclusion, AMLO's decision to pause his relationship with the embassies represents a decisive moment in Mexico's foreign policy. As the country prepares to face significant political and economic decisions, the way it manages relations with its northern neighbors will be fundamental to the nation's future and its stability in the region.