The following statement on President López Obrador’s proposed judicial reform in Mexico was published by the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico (AmCham) on Monday.
The American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico (AmCham) has been a pillar of trust in Mexico for more than a century. Since our founding in 1917, we have been a proactive and committed community dedicated to generating shared well-being in Mexico.
Examples of this are our pioneering actions such as the historic job board, the reconstruction of Mexico City after the 1985 earthquake, the management to bring COVID-19 vaccines, or more recently, the coordination of support to rebuild Acapulco accompanied by the working mechanism with the governors of the south-southeast.
Our joint history with 19 administrations in the United States and 22 in Mexico has taught us that in dialogue, analysis, and finding common ground amidst differences lies the key to overcoming any challenge. In recent years, this lesson has been no different, and today, AmCham continues to trust in Mexico.
In the most recent quarter of 2024, more than 97% of foreign direct investment (FDI) was reinvestment of profits, and more than 44% came from American companies. Our companies — American, Mexican, and international; large, medium, and small — are invested in Mexico and provide formal employment to more than 10 million Mexicans.
In every democracy, the path to strengthening the rule of law must be evaluated, debated, and enriched. When multiple voices rise in a chorus of warnings, it is wise to pay attention. The convergence of diverse opinions on a risk is not mere coincidence but an echo of shared experiences and knowledge. Our Chamber has thoroughly analyzed the judicial reform and shared recommendations with the current government, the transition government, and representatives of Congress.
We agree with Ambassador Ken Salazar on the vision of Mexico-U.S. integration that transforms the region into an example of economic prosperity. This vision requires legal certainty, judicial transparency, and clarity in the application of laws.
As companies invested in Mexico and generating millions of jobs for past and future decades, we see risks in the independence of the judiciary in the judicial reform, and a potential delay in the professionalization of specialized justice, an increase in costs, a reduction in the effectiveness of the judicial system, and the generation of uncertainty for investment.
Mexico is a country that favors investment and the growth of companies. In light of this concern expressed by the private sector, we call for continued dialogue to carefully evaluate the potential consequences of this and other reforms, and we reaffirm our commitment to collaborating in the creation of public policies that strengthen legal security and Mexico’s competitiveness.
**It is important to remember Annex 23-A of the USMCA, where Mexico committed to having independent labor courts, and Chapter 31 on the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. These mechanisms are essential for efficiently resolving business conflicts and reducing the workload of the judicial system. The proposed changes could compromise the fulfillment of the USMCA.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mexico News Daily, its owner or its employees.
Clear and to the point one might think that the devaluation of the peso in the last two weeks would be enough to reconsider?
Not when a socialist is in power. Logic goes out the window. AMLO is angry because the Mexican Supreme Court is not under his thumb. If this passes they will be and it will be full tilt Venezuela after that.
Sometimes it’s hard to gain clarity on this complicated issue in which both sides passionately argue their perspectives. I think the following lines from the AmCham statement are very wise to keep in mind:
“In every democracy, the path to strengthening the rule of law must be evaluated, debated, and enriched. When multiple voices rise in a chorus of warnings, it is wise to pay attention. The convergence of diverse opinions on a risk is not mere coincidence but an echo of shared experiences and knowledge.“
It looks increasingly likely that AMLO & co will take umbrage at the valid concerns expressed and force through the changes irrespective of the obvious damage to the economy
The Dunning – Kruger effect springs to mind ; basically where someone is too incompetent to actually recognize his own ineptitude.
I’d say AMLO knows exactly what he is doing. Because first he eliminated the police. Then he took over the military. Now the military gets so much money it’s mind boggling. I’d say it’s a fine path to a dictatorship–well planned. And the people don’t get it–so it’s going to happen. Go Cartels. They will “elect” all judges for Mexico.
Remember that we will only be able to “elect” from among those that have been chosen for us. That is not democracy. If this passes, CDMX should be renamed Caracas.
I don’t really understand what all the hoopla is about, but if AMLO believes judicial reform is for the benefit of the MEXICO and his people, perhaps he sees something which outsiders don’t. Most of us here are non-Mexican by birth.
Could it be that the Mexican labour force has been taken advantage of by the companies involved in FDI? Can it be that the American Mexican Chamber of Commerce would prefer the status quo so they can control the judiciary. Where is Mexico’s right as a sovereign country to be free of foreign entanglement?
The American Mexican Chamber agrees with Ambassador Ken Salazar on the vision of Mexico-U.S. integration that transforms the region into an example of economic prosperity. (YES, BUT LETS ENSURE ITS A 2 WAY STREET. COULD IT BE THAT THE PRESENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS IS PROVIDING AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE?) This vision requires legal certainty, judicial transparency, and clarity in the application of laws. (YES, AGREED BUT THAT SHOULDN’T CHANGE SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE IS A NEW METHOD OF DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTING A JUDICIARY WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS TO ENFORCE THE RULE OF LAW)
I read way too many comments made by individuals wishing to meddle in the affairs of beautiful country.
It doesn’t bode well for ex-pats.
Bravo! I agree completly. The American Chamber of Commerce is made up of people with VERY conservative interests (read Republican). definitely not concerned with the comon man.
A story my dad told me was in line with this. It’s odd that the common worker is just a commodity unless their foreigners. Then their opinions, rights and everything else matter more. He mentioned how there are so many outside opinions with their own financial interests that expect and demand cheap labor. Please anyone who things ooh us interests are good no matter what should really be mindful of why so many foreigners are interested in Mexico. And that’s mainly cuz it’s cheap that’s not great for someone living off that wage….
Definitely not believing in a socialist/communist government right next door. AMLO has been seeking and idolizing socialist governance sine he took office.
I agree with you. The people overwhelmingly voted for the reforms.
And other countries should not meddle in the sovereignty of Mexico.
If you can’t realize the elections were manipulated from day one. And all the illiterate and impoverished population follows is who’s giving em money. Very much like what the US is facing.
Is it possible to have a true democracy today? A system with judicial, executive and legislative checks and balances? On the surface, it seems the political process exercises influence over what used to be judiciary transparency by introducing theories and requiring judicial participants to push the envelope. The goal now seems to be move to a one party system so a committee of unelected, back room members can exert their wishes in a non-transparent democracy. Then the party will do what they want….because they can.
Poor Mexico, so far from God, so close to America.
NGOs meddling in sovereign nations affairs.
Nothing new in Latin America.
Amen!
Amen!
AMLO wants to operate just like “HITLER” in control of everyone and everything. Now the new President wantS to follow his “stupid” and “dumb” advice and do the same thing. “Wake-Up Claudia, open your “eyes” and see “reality” before it “bites” you in your “behind”.
First person to mention Hitler loses the argument.
Let’s look at what the appointment system has given us in the US: a politicized and corrupt Supreme Court and a judge like Aileen Cannon, who has done all she can to protect Trump, the guy who appointed her (with the help of Moscow Mitch).
Maybe something similar has happened in Mexico.
I’m loving the Americans that talk about
“ democracy “ then bitch about voting. 🤣
But who voted for Kamala? Never mind….
I want someone to explain how electing judges could compromise the USMCA, a critical labor law reform. This is the first time I have seen this mentioned.
These comments are great! Some smart people in here.
Such kind and high-minded rhetoric from an organization that promotes economic imperialism and the continued Neo-liberal takeover of business in Mexico. Clearly, when AmCham comes out against these reforms it constitutes strongest endorsement of the reforms to date. Viva Mexico!
What concerns me most is the ability of the cartels to kill any candidate that does not serve their interest. Almost every day are assassinations or disappearances of those not in line with them. What good will judicial “elections” be? Except to consolidate the corrupt system powers that be. Not a good business environment so I am glad that warnings are being made.
Amen, Amen!!
Wow, I expected to see all chamber of commerce opinions in the comments. My reflex when I first heard that a Mexican reform initiative from the sovereign government of Mexico, and that there was squawking from the US Chamber of Commerce, was that elections might disrupt the makeup of the courts where the Chamber has a cozy relationship. Typical US-style spreading of democracy. Stop voting for stuff!