MEXICO CITY (AP) 鈥 Mexico鈥檚 president said Tuesday his country is more democratic than the United States.
President Andr茅s Manuel L贸pez Obrador鈥檚 testy comments came after U.S. officials took note of heated public debate in Mexico over L贸pez Obrador鈥檚 recently approved electoral reforms, which critics allege could weaken Mexico's democracy. The reforms would cut spending for the country鈥檚 electoral authorities.
L贸pez Obrador angrily rejected any U.S. comment, even though U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price was careful to say in a statement Monday that 鈥淲e respect Mexico鈥檚 sovereignty.鈥
The Mexican president responded 鈥渢here is more democracy in Mexico than could exist in the United States.鈥
鈥淚f they want to have a debate on this issue, let's do it," L贸pez Obrador said pugnaciously. "I have evidence to prove there is more liberty and democracy in our country.鈥
The Mexican president is notoriously touchy about criticism, whether it comes from human rights groups, non-governmental organizations, the press, or Mexican regulatory or oversight agencies.
Price said in a statement that 鈥淭oday, in Mexico, we see a great debate on electoral reforms on the independence of electoral and judicial institutions that illustrates Mexico鈥檚 vibrant democracy."
"We respect Mexico鈥檚 sovereignty. We believe that a well-resourced, independent electoral system and respect for judicial independence support healthy democracy.鈥
At the root of the conflict are plans by L贸pez Obrador, which were approved last week by Mexico鈥檚 Senate, to cut salaries and funding for local election offices, and scale back training for citizens who operate and oversee polling stations. The changes would also reduce sanctions for candidates who fail to report campaign spending.
L贸pez Obrador denies the reforms are a threat to democracy and says criticism is elitist. He argues that the funds would be better spent on the poor.
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated over the weekend in Mexico City鈥檚 main plaza, calling the cuts a threat to democracy.
