Pompeo Criticizes Judicial Reform but Ebrard Defends It

Mike Pompeo, former US Minister of State during Donald Trump's administration, warned that the judicial reforms proposed by President López Obrador will negatively impact the US-Mexico relationship. Marcelo Ebrard, incoming Minister of Economy, said Pompeo's accusations show a lack of clarity about the reforms and affirmed the incoming government's commitment to provide certainty to investors.

Pompeo voiced concerns about López Obrador's intentions to alter independent regulatory bodies, citing potential violations of the USMCA, erosion of investor confidence, and a decrease in US foreign direct investment to The Wall Street Journal. He also highlighted that the proposed judicial reforms could compromise judicial independence and recourse, particularly impacting foreign investors involved in disputes with influential political entities or interests in Mexico.

"The anticipated constitutional and political changes in Mexico will not only disrupt our bilateral relationship with the United States, but also spawn chaos at the border and potentially ignite a trade war. This will inevitably lead to economic stagnation in Mexico. Mexican voters have bestowed significant power upon virtual president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum. Now it is up to Mexicans to intervene and alter the trajectory of their country, while the Biden administration must support them in defending US interests."

Ebrard emphasized that Pompeo's article suggests he lacks sufficient information about the reforms. Ebrard intends to reach out to provide him with comprehensive details of the reform. In response to concerns about investment uncertainty, Ebrard reaffirmed his commitment to respect investors and ensure legal certainty through the agreed dispute resolution system. "We have made it unequivocally clear that we cannot backtrack. The established dispute settlement mechanism and investment protection frameworks under treaties with the United States, as well as with the European Union and other Pacific Alliance countries, must be upheld," Ebrard stated.