Mexican president versus judges

– Mexico’s president escalated a conflict with the judiciary on Tuesday, calling the Supreme Court judges the “best paid public servants in the world,” after the tribunal froze plans to impose pay cuts on the civil service.

Last Friday, the Supreme Court said it had suspended a law stipulating no public servant can earn more than President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has slashed his own pay to 108 000 pesos (R76 335) a month, less than half that of his predecessor.

The veteran leftist, who took office on December 1, has put public sector austerity at the centre of his plans to reduce corruption and inequality in Mexico.

Critics including the judges say he is trying to undermine independent organs of the state lto control them. He has denied this. Lopez Obrador has hit out at the court since it said it would freeze the pay cuts, pending a review. “I have no doubt that they’re the best paid public servants in the world,” the 65-year-old said, repeating that Mexico’s judges earn 600 000 pesos ($29 619) a month. Last week, before the court ruling, he described such a salary as tantamount to “corruption” in Mexico.

“Only Donald Trump earns more than the president of the Supreme Court,” he added.

On Twitter, the Supreme Court dismissed his figures as not “remotely” factual. –