Tensions in Guatemala: Congress resumes session calling for Arevalo's presidency

Guatemala's Congress resumed this Sunday, calling for presidential impeachment Social Democrat Bernardo Arevalo After a rSeveral hours late Due to the debates on the ratification process of the representatives of the new assembly.

Guatemala's Congress, with its conservative majority, declared Aravalho's representatives independent without a political party, reducing their power to maneuver before the social democrat took office as the country's president.

According to the organic law of the Guatemalan Congress, representatives declared “independent” cannot be part of the board of directors of a unicameral parliament or task force to support potential legislative initiatives that a future president may propose.

The session finally resumed with a report by a committee that qualified the credentials of the delegates to be sworn in, according to the official televised session. After this process, A new assembly will take oath of office in the institute.

“Representatives have a responsibility to respect the will of the people expressed in elections. Democracy is being attempted to be subverted through illegalities, frivolities and abuses of power. “The people of Guatemala and the international community are watching.” Arévalo condemned the inexplicable delay.

As hundreds of Arivalo supporters gathered around the Congress to protest these late maneuvers, there was uncertainty in Parliament.

Nine heads of state have been invited to the event King of Spain, Felipe VIand Presidents of Chile, Gabriel Boric; Colombia, Gustavo Pedroand Panama, Laurentino CortizoIn addition to, inter alia, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borrell. All of them, They demanded the handover of parliamentary power to Aravalo.

The president-elect will be sworn in for a four-year term this Sunday, replacing current president Alejandro Giammattei.

“What they are doing here is delaying the establishment of the Congress in its Tenth Legislature, because they do not want to give knowledge or possession.Castillo, who belongs to the National Unity of Hope (UNE) party of former first lady Sandra Torres, who was defeated by Arrivalo de León in the 2023 elections, has condemned journalists.“Conspiracy is brewing,” The legislator added.

Confusion in parliament was deepened by a ruling by Guatemala's Constitutional Court, the country's highest court, which ruled this Sunday. Semilla Movement Party, The President-elect was suspended.

Conclusion Semilla leaves the movement without a chance to be part of the congress's board of directors For the period 2024-2025.

Similarly, The ruling establishes that the 23 representatives of the Arevalo de León political group must remain independent for the period 2024-2028.The same court had already ordered that all elected officials in the previous year's elections, despite being without a political party, take office as if they were elected in 2023.

The suspension was based on a July 12 impeachment order by Judge Freddy Orellana, who was accused by the US State Department of obstruction of justice and corruption. The criminal case against Orellana in 2018 stemmed from an alleged false signature on the establishment of the Semilla movement.

As Arévalo de León came second in the June 2023 presidential election, Guatemala's Public Ministry (Prosecutor's Office) launched judicial harassment to prevent possession of the 64-year-old academic.Like representatives of the Semilla movement.

On September 1, Arevalo de León accused Attorney General Consuelo Boras and Criminal Judge Orellana of attempting a “coup” to prevent him from taking office on January 14. Boras' judicial actions have sparked massive protests and roadblocks by people demanding his resignation since October, and Arevalo de León has warned that he will be asked to resign starting tomorrow.

Growing up….