AMLO Hits Out At US State Dep't Following Protest Comments

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has hit out at the US State Dep't following comments made by an official following the mass protests against proposed changes to the electoral authority that took place over the weekend. The State Dep't spox Ned Pricereleased a statementsaying that they "believe that a well resourced, independent electoral system and respect for judicial independence support health democracy". In response AMLO said that the State Dep't "is always getting mixed up in things it shouldn't."

• The protests brought thousands onto the streets of the capital Mexico City, with organisers saying 500k were in attendance, while city officials (from AMLO's party) stated 90k protested.
• AMLO stated that now-approved cuts to the National Electoral Institute (INE) were required due to the organisation's supposed corruption and inefficiency. However, opponents have said the cuts amount to AMLO preparing the ground for a power-grab.
• In Mexico, Presidents are limited to a single six-year term in office. The next presidential election takes place in July 2024, with his term in office ending on 1 Dec of the same year.