Former President Felipe Calderón stated that Mexico faces a scenario similar to that experienced by Venezuela in previous years, considering that there is a deterioration of democratic institutions and the justice system.

His statements were made during the Libertas Forum, organized by the European People's Party (EPP) in Madrid, Spain. Before leaders and representatives of conservative parties in Latin America and Europe, Calderón assured that the country is going through a process that, in his opinion, is similar to what happened in Venezuela. "Mexico already has a problem similar to that of Venezuela," the former president said during his speech.

Calderón criticizes the reform of the Judicial Branch

One of the main topics addressed by the former president was the recent reform of the Judiciary in Mexico, particularly the popular election of judges and magistrates. Calderón stated that this new model allowed people related to the Government to obtain spaces within the judicial system, while other profiles with experience were left out of the process. He even assured that among the selected applicants there were lawyers who have defended members of organized crime. "Lawyers loyal to the Government entered the list, including lawyers for drug traffickers. If you "You are a prominent lawyer, and this is the case of many who participated, you are not on the list," he stated. The former president warned that this situation, from his perspective, puts judicial independence at risk and makes it difficult for citizens to obtain impartial resolutions from the State. "Under these conditions, in which the Government will never be able to win a trial, who is going to protect the rights of citizens?" he questioned.

He assures that Mexico faces economic challenges

During his participation, Calderón also spoke about the commercial relationship between Mexico and the United States. He pointed out that the country faces a complicated context to reach agreements with the administration of President Donald Trump, considering that US economic policy has changed compared to previous years. In that sense, he maintained that Mexico is going through a complex moment both in institutional and economic matters.

Forum brings together conservative leaders from Latin America

The Libertas Forum brought together political leaders and former leaders linked to center-right parties from Europe and Latin America for two days. Among the participants was, virtually, the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, as well as the former Argentine president Mauricio Macri.

Mauricio Macri criticizes the governments of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua

Through a video message, Mauricio Macri affirmed that part of the Latin American left has promoted political models that, in his opinion, weaken democratic institutions. The former Argentine president pointed out that the international community should not remain indifferent to the political situation in countries like Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. "What is happening in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua is a systematic violation of human rights. The international democratic community cannot abandon those who fight for their freedom," he said. Macri also called for strengthening cooperation between political forces. center-right of Europe and Latin America to face the challenges that, he said, authoritarian governments represent.

They ask for free elections in Venezuela

Mariana Gómez, president of the Christian Democratic Organization of America (ODCA), participated in the conclusions block, who assured that Europe and Latin America share values ​​related to democracy, the rule of law and the defense of human rights.

The Mexican leader warned about the advance of authoritarianism in different countries in the region and maintained that the international community maintains a debt with the populations of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Likewise, she called for free, transparent elections to be held in Venezuela in accordance with international standards, in addition to requesting the immediate release of political prisoners and promoting actions to make their situation visible.