Mexico's president announced on Tuesday that relations with the United States and Canada have been put 'on pause' following concerns raised by the two countries over a proposed judicial overhaul in Mexico. The president did not provide details on what this 'pause' would entail, and the Mexican foreign ministry has not commented on the matter.
The proposed judicial overhaul, suggested by the Mexican president during his final weeks in office, has sparked protests, strikes, and criticism from investors and financial institutions. Last week, the American ambassador referred to the proposal as a 'risk' to democracy and warned of potential consequences for Mexico's commercial relationship with the United States.
The Mexican president criticized the ambassador's comments, accusing him of violating Mexican sovereignty. The ambassador later expressed willingness to engage in dialogue. President López Obrador suggested that the strong remarks may have originated from the U.S. State Department.
President López Obrador also accused Canada of interfering in Mexico's internal affairs by expressing concerns about the proposed judicial changes. The three countries share a significant commercial relationship valued at approximately $1.8 trillion in trade in 2022.
This is not the first time the Mexican president has used the term 'pause' in diplomatic relations. In 2022, he announced a similar move with Spain over a dispute involving energy companies. The recent tensions with the U.S. and Canada come amidst heightened bilateral strains, particularly following the arrest of a prominent Mexican drug lord by U.S. authorities.
Political analysts suggest that the president's confrontational stance towards the United States could complicate relations between the two countries. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum is set to assume office on October 1, and the ongoing tensions may pose challenges for her incoming administration while also presenting an opportunity to establish a more moderate approach in diplomatic affairs.
