Two days ago, Canal Antigua of Guatemala conducted an interview with the president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo.
Since his unexpected victory in the August 20th election, the president-elect of Guatemala and his political party have faced numerous challenges from political opponents. These include scrutiny regarding the establishment of his party in 2018 and the suspension of Movimiento Semilla.
However, the highest electoral tribunal in Guatemala has now reversed the suspension of Bernardo Arevalo’s political party, signifying a significant victory for the incoming president’s Movimiento Semilla as they prepare to take office in 2024.
During his conversation with Canal Antigua, Arévalo shared insightful perspectives on corruption in Guatemala and outlined the measures his administration will implement to restore the rule of law.
Below are excerpts of Arévalo’s commentary in response to key themes raised by Canal Antigua.
On the Erosion of the Rule of Law
“The current situation is fraught with serious legal violations. We are witnessing the erosion of the Rule of Law, as justice institutions are employing the law arbitrarily and unlawfully. They are making decisions that are blatantly arbitrary and in direct contradiction to the constitutional framework. This raises a crucial question: Where is the rule of law?
What will remain for us in the future? Today, it’s happening to the Movimiento Semilla, but tomorrow, it could happen to anyone. In fact, it has already occurred, with individuals being imprisoned due to such arbitrariness. Guatemalan society must confront this issue.
Will the justice system continue to be used arbitrarily against political opponents? This is entirely unacceptable and undermines the very essence of the law. Such actions contradict the principles of a democratic state and the foundations of justice.”
An Alarming Concentration of Power
“In Congress, we have been closely examining the situation for nearly four years, and what we observe is an alarming concentration of power. The democratic checks and balances are practically rendered a formality, as they largely align with a single political current.
The exercise of power and the counterbalances to this power extend beyond just the judiciary and the Public Ministry.
“We recognize that the path ahead won’t be easy, but we were aware of this from the outset,” Bernardo Arévalo.
The political landscape is shifting
“Furthermore, we have realized that the political landscape in Guatemala has shifted since June 25. The unexpected outcome has led to a change in the alignment of political forces. This has galvanized sectors that may have appeared apathetic and divided in the past, uniting them around the urgent need to restore the principles of the rule of law and reject such actions.
On the other hand, there is a pressing need for a government to take office on January 14 that will put an end to the pervasive corruption that has characterized the allocation of the national budget. This corrupt system has tied together various actors in the Executive, Legislative, and municipal levels. This change in attitude is significant because it signals a shift away from the logic of corruption.”
Society is Assuming a Prominent Role
“What we are witnessing is a new form of governance that diverges from the patterns we’ve seen so far. In this new landscape, society is assuming a more prominent role. People are speaking out and actively defending institutions, the rule of law, and democracy. We have seen a groundswell of support from diverse social sectors since June 25, all rallying in defense of our institutions.
On August 20, the people of Guatemala sent a resounding message by voting to reclaim institutionality. Right now, they are demonstrating their commitment to defending and preserving it. This will define the new scenario where we will work with all stakeholders and sectors to foster unity within society.
Our objective is to recover our institutions, promote development, and gradually marginalize the corrupt individuals and practices that have thrived on the public’s apathy toward politics. We now have an opportunity to reshape politics in Guatemala, and we must not allow it to slip from our grasp due to the misuse of public institutions, as is occurring at present.”
“Our primary goal is to prevent the perpetuation of corruption as a systemic issue within the State,” President-elect of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo.
Transition Period
“We are committed to following the law diligently, and it would be irresponsible not to conduct a thorough review when there’s a transition of authorities concerning budgets, ministries, programs, and projects. Our responsibility is to ensure that everything that should be in place is indeed in place and accounted for.
Hence, we will proactively undertake this process as a routine part of transmitting information during the transition period. If we encounter any irregularities, the law mandates us to take action, and in some cases, if the evidence is clear, we can expedite our response.”
On Rumors of a Witch Hunt
“Let me assure you that there will be no impunity, and neither the State nor the government will grant it to anyone. However, we won’t engage in a witch hunt either, as our country needs to look ahead.
Our priority is to stabilize the institutional state and reclaim the proper functioning of our institutions. We cannot continue to operate as a State controlled by corrupt political elites.
For instance, consider the significant challenge of security that deeply affects the Guatemalan population.”
Criminal Organizations
“Do you know what facilitates the growth of criminal organizations? Having authorities who can be corrupted. Corruption makes it easier for criminal organizations, including gangs, drug traffickers, kidnappers, and extortionists, to infiltrate institutions like the police, prison administration, the judiciary, and even the military, as they find individuals willing to turn a blind eye in exchange for favors,” Bernardo Arévalo.
Political Will
“Therefore, the fight for security cannot be waged within a corrupt state. We must eliminate corruption, restore our institutions, and then address these issues from a position of strength. This applies to all facets of the State, and that’s what we must guarantee.
We have to begin the work of recovery, even though we recognize that it won’t be an easy journey. Dr. Karen Herrera and I understand that there are no magic solutions to instantly resolve the challenges we face. However, we can start the process. We can send a clear signal of our political will and call upon Guatemalan society to join us in this collective effort to move forward.”
E-Government
“In our Government Plan, we explicitly emphasize our strong commitment to e-government. Our goal is to minimize the instances where a government official interacts directly with individuals as much as possible.
While there will be situations where this is unavoidable, our aim is to reduce these opportunities. This reduction in direct interactions helps minimize discretionary spaces where officials may unjustly delay processes to gain personal benefits, a practice that we aim to eradicate.”
Customs Fraud & Smuggling
“For instance, this is a critical issue that we must address within customs operations. Our plan outlines a two-pronged strategy to combat customs fraud and smuggling. Many of our efforts will align with this objective, especially in ports and related areas where these issues tend to surface.”
Rebuilding Consensus
“From the outset, we recognized that a central challenge is to rebuild the consensus among Guatemalan society. These essential agreements serve to decrease conflict and provide the foundation for development.
Among the ten proposals we presented to the Guatemalan population, which received their support in the elections, the tenth proposal focuses on fostering dialogue. We believe the country requires comprehensive pacts on education, health, the economy, development, and the environment.”
A New Social Contract
“These pacts will serve as the cornerstone of a new social contract. Within this contract, Guatemalans will unite around these major agreements, enabling us to pursue gradual and progressive development. Each government may bring its own political variations, but the overarching objectives remain consistent. These pacts are designed to underpin sustained development over the next 20 to 30 years.
We firmly believe that it is the government’s primary responsibility to facilitate this process.”
“Our society is grappling with the struggle between integrity and corruption. Our mission is to restore ethics and establish a political landscape rooted in ethical principles to combat corruption,” Bernardo Arévalo.
Diversity as a Strength
“We have often been diverted by extremist political issues and cultural debates. However, our core challenge is the restoration of institutions and the fight against corruption. We must build a space of convergence and unity among different sectors, even as we acknowledge our differences.
Diversity is permissible as long as we maintain the fundamental consensus necessary for harmonious coexistence without conflicts. This path is followed by countries worldwide as they embark on the journey of development. It has been observed in Europe and Latin America, demonstrating that it is possible even for countries of Guatemala’s size.
We can achieve this, but it necessitates the collective political will to construct the foundations for our joint progress, embracing our diversity.”
On Arévalo’s Cabinet
“Our progress has been significant, but we are not yet finished. We are currently engaged in discussions with several professionals whom we intend to include in the cabinet. However, these discussions have not reached their conclusion.
Our intention is to present a unified cabinet as a cohesive government team. A cabinet functions as a team, and it should be envisioned and presented as such. We are making steady headway, and I can share with you the three primary criteria we are focusing on in the selection process.”
“First and foremost, we are seeking individuals with clear and substantive expertise in fields such as health, education, and development, among others. Second, we prioritize a steadfast commitment to transparency and the fight against corruption. Third, we are looking for individuals who possess strong managerial skills because our goal is to have ministers who can ensure the delivery of results,” Bernardo Arévalo.
“Our government plan is centered on achieving tangible outcomes, and we require experts who can effectively lead teams to achieve these results. These outcomes are crucial for the population to see that our institutions are genuinely functioning, in line with our commitment.
Regarding various areas, we are still in the process of evaluating applications. This includes roles related to communications, public works, culture, and certain secretariats. These positions are currently under consideration.”
On Defense
“We haven’t initiated discussions with active military officers, and as per our legal framework, the Minister of Defense must be an active-duty officer. Now, as the president-elect, I will seek authorization from the incumbent President of the Republic to engage in conversations with the Minister of Defense to begin evaluating potential candidates. Anything to the contrary would risk politicizing the military institution, a grave misstep for any democracy.”
On the Ministry of Communications and Works, “a conduit of corrupt practices in the Guatemalan system.”
“The very oil that lubricates the machinery of corruption. The geographical distribution of public works projects is central to the distribution of resources and the formation of alliances and business deals among the executive branch, legislature, mayors, and others.
This is the heart of the corruption system, and we are committed to closing that faucet. Therefore, the Ministry of Communications and Public Works is of utmost importance to us. We not only require a capable individual to ensure the successful execution of our significant public works investments but also to essentially rebuild an institution that has, over decades of corrupt practices, lost its capacity to function effectively.
I often emphasize that corruption is not merely about the disappearance of funds; it also has a suffocating effect on public institutions. When an institution has been complicit in managing corrupt systems for two decades, it essentially needs a complete overhaul before progress can be made.
This is why we place such significant emphasis on the selection for this role.”
The Problem of Privileges
“Economically, we believe that Guatemala needs to transition from an economy of privileges to an economy of competition. However, this problem extends beyond the economic sphere.”
“We must reconsider this type of institutionally-embedded quid pro quo and favor exchange,” Bernardo Arévalo.
“It’s crucial to understand that laws and public institutions should not be tools for those in authority to exchange favors or grant privileges to others.”
“In some labor negotiations, positions are even inherited, which directly contradicts the principles of labor justice, where merit and competition should prevail. This is something we need to work on as a society to gradually overcome this through concerted efforts. The challenge is that, in many cases, one group seeks to replace another to maintain this cycle,” Bernardo Arévalo.
“The goal is to enhance competition and eliminate privileges.”
Civil Service Law
“I’d like to highlight the urgent need for a Civil Service Law. Just as e-government helps eliminate discretion in small transactions, a genuine Civil Service Law would put an end to the use of ghost positions, nepotism, and the abuse of power that leads to the appointment of incompetent individuals to critical roles and the mismanagement of budgets as if they were personal assets.”
“There are instances where individuals lacking the required qualifications, sometimes without even a high school diploma, hold positions like nurses in public institutions. This occurs due to the discretionary misuse of power, and it’s something we need to rectify,” Bernardo Arévalo.
An End to Project Distribution Exchanges for Support
“Our responsibility is to collaborate with everyone in an endeavor where the sole condition is honesty and transparency. The same principles apply to our interactions with deputies. We won’t engage in the practice of promising favors or distributing projects in exchange for support.”
“We won’t say, “If you support me, I’ll give you this bridge,” or “I’ll allocate work to that construction company owned by your relative,” Bernardo Arévalo.
District Representatives
“Instead, we are prepared to cooperate with district representatives on the development projects in their regions and departments. The key difference is that these collaborations won’t be contingent on political favors or votes. There will be a list of projects aligned with the priorities established for various sectors.
For instance, we’ll identify which roads to construct, irrigation plans or wells to develop, and healthcare facilities to establish.
Subsequently, we can engage in a constructive dialogue with district representatives, presenting them with the list of identified projects. If they choose to collaborate with us and support this process, they are welcome to join the effort.”
The Social Pact
“In my personal view, the conditions for a constitutional reform, in principle, are not yet in place, mainly because we lack the capacity for constructive dialogue. A constituent assembly fundamentally hinges on social and political dialogue—a process of robust debate.
This is why we initiated a constitutional dialogue, as we believe there are several aspects that we need to start considering. This preparation will enable us to engage effectively in a constituent process if and when the conditions arise and if the Congress of the Republic and the Guatemalan people decide through a referendum.”
On Constitutional Dialogue
“However, we must continue addressing critical issues within our current Constitution. Examples include constitutional obligations dating back to 1985 and legislation pertaining to indigenous peoples. These topics have remained untouched for an extended period.
The Water Law is another example where we see a substantial stalemate. Additionally, there are matters that demand our immediate attention, such as reforming the justice sector. One aspect to put on the table is the role of nomination commissions.
As a society, we need to initiate these conversations and discuss them openly. That’s precisely why we initiated a constitutional dialogue.”
On Radicalism
“We should differentiate between radicalism within society and radicalism in the realm of debate. I believe that Guatemalan society, at large, is not radicalized. What is radicalized is the discourse. It’s vital to make this distinction.
While there may be a vocal elite generating a contentious public debate, my impression is that the majority of the Guatemalan population is not deeply engaged in these divisive discussions.”
“What they truly desire is to see tangible improvements in their lives, to live in peace, and to experience a functioning economy,” Bernardo Arévalo.
Restoring Active Participation
“Our task is to encourage those who have withdrawn from active participation, those who have preferred to remain silent and disengaged, given the charged atmosphere. Now, we must rally everyone and regain our capacity for dialogue.
I’ve observed that the more people engage in conversations and connect with one another, the more they recover their capacity for dialogue.”
“The challenge is that we’ve built walls of mistrust, to the extent that people immediately suspect ill intentions from the other side rather than attempting to understand one another,” Bernardo Arévalo.
Creating Spaces for Dialogue
“However, when people come together and create spaces for dialogue, as envisaged in the idea of constitutional dialogue, we may find that we aren’t as far apart as we initially thought. To provide some background, before taking on my current role, I dedicated myself to party politics.
During the last 25 years of my professional life, I worked on building consensus in post-conflict societies. I have seen the value of these processes when they are taken seriously, not as distractions. They foster the capacity for dialogue, build trust, alleviate tensions, and ultimately enable us to reach higher levels of consensus and agreement within society.”
Generating Consensus in Law
“Our proposal is to start generating consensus around specific pieces of legislation. By focusing on these legislative components, we can begin to identify common ground. Of course, the more these pieces of legislation align with the shared sentiment, the easier it will be for different representatives, parties, and factions to converge around this common ground.
Let’s place our faith in our collective potential and our ability to come together and move forward. Naturally, the more these legislative initiatives resonate with public sentiment, the more feasible it becomes to gather support from various lawmakers and political factions.”
Legislative Priorities
“It’s widely recognized that Guatemala urgently requires a competition law, so let’s prioritize its enactment. There are also critical pieces of legislation awaiting approval, like the Organ Donation Law, which is essential from a humanitarian perspective but remains stalled due to a lack of interest or motivation.
Therefore, we can pinpoint a range of legislative priorities that can serve as a foundation for building consensus and advancing our agenda. As we gradually remove the corrupting influence from politics, we will discover new spaces for convergence and cooperation.
Moreover, the Guatemalan population sent a clear mandate for change on August 20. The people have expressed their desire to break free from the existing system, and it’s incumbent upon political parties to heed their call for transformation.”
On Education
“Today, our educational system boasts a 70.2% coverage, but within this seemingly impressive statistic lies a harsh reality. With double the budget, we’ve achieved less.
“From a national perspective, we risk becoming a factory that churns out minimum wage workers or an institution for taming young minds. Our critical evaluation of the system reveals that it doesn’t truly reach everyone, and we are, in essence, abandoning entire generations,” Bernardo Arévalo on the state of Education in Guatemala.
“One of the Poorest-Quality Educations.”
“The issue extends beyond mere coverage; it’s a matter of quality. In essence, we are providing one of the poorest-quality educations on the continent. During a recent meeting with a business chamber, they expressed concerns about our educational system.”
“They face recruitment and performance issues because the system has deteriorated to the point where people no longer grasp basic concepts,” Bernardo Arévalo on the business sector’s complaints of the quality of job applicants.
“Hence, we must tackle this problem from various angles: Reconstruction, reformation, and revitalization of the system. This calls for a profound reform starting with acknowledging these paramount tasks. In the realm of coverage, primary education stands at around 85%, but many schools endure deplorable conditions.”
“One need not venture far from the capital to encounter villages where schools survive solely due to dedicated teachers and a community that chips in to provide the minimum conditions the Ministry of Education neglects. Some students sit on blocks with small boards instead of desks, and tales abound of schools lacking drinking water and proper sanitation,” Bernardo Arévalo.
“We intend to intervene by investing in improving school facilities to ensure they meet decent standards, focusing primarily on coverage.
At the basic and diversified levels, we face more significant challenges, especially at the diversified level. Only one in four individuals who complete the third grade gains access to a public institution, which means that 74% of students lack suitable options for diversified education. This is a grave issue because diversified education prepares students for various professional pathways, whether vocational or academic.”
Adolescents in Rural Areas Lack Options for Education
“Therefore, we acknowledge the need to advance in both the basic and diversified systems, with a specific focus on neglected regions.”
“Currently, educational resources are disproportionately concentrated in certain urban centers, leaving adolescents in remote areas with limited options, forcing them to travel long distances, often seeking refuge with relatives just to attend school. This situation is untenable, and we aim to rectify it by expanding access to education in these regions,” Bernardo Arévalo.
Creating Regional Institutes
“We’re taking inspiration from the Federation schools, which were designed to provide excellent education. In this spirit, we plan to establish centers where the best students can learn from the finest educators, especially in vocational education. Our vision includes the creation of eight regional institutes across the country, each catering to the best students in its respective region, offering them top-tier education.
Recognizing that many students in these regions face economic challenges, we will implement a scholarship program that supports families as long as attendance and academic performance are maintained. This comprehensive plan involves curriculum revisions, teacher training, investment in original education, continuous training, and periodic evaluations to gauge the effectiveness of our reforms.”
Increasing the Ministry of Education’s Budget
“To fund these initiatives, we’re increasing the Ministry of Education’s budget by almost 42%, aligning with our commitment to invest significantly in solving the pressing crises faced by our population. This substantial budget increase is part of our larger strategy to address the most critical issues facing our nation, with a similar focus on healthcare, where we’re allocating a 43% increase.”
Guatemala’s Evolving Foreign Policy
“Regarding mainland China and Taiwan, we aim to uphold our relations with Taiwan while simultaneously expanding our ties with mainland China. Our intention is to avoid falling into the trap of choosing one over the other.
Our objective is to create opportunities for establishing a robust business relationship with China and initiating a meaningful dialogue on pressing issues, all while maintaining our diplomatic relations with Taiwan.”
Relations with Neighboring Nations
“Regarding our neighboring countries in Central America, we recognize that they share common challenges and opportunities with us. Therefore, our overarching goal in our relationships with these neighboring countries is to achieve the highest level of cooperation possible, benefiting both parties.
With Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Belize, we are working on establishing a comprehensive framework for our relations based on addressing mutual concerns. We have engaged in discussions with President López Obrador and President Bukele, and we are currently in talks with the Honduran government to identify key agendas and paths forward.”
Reversing the Backslide into Authoritarianism
“Internationally, the prevailing trend in the multilateral system is the promotion and advancement of democratic principles and the fulfillment of corresponding international commitments. Regrettably, Guatemala has veered away from these positive developments. Over recent years, we have witnessed continuous denouncements and expressions of concern, both bilaterally and multilaterally, regarding the erosion of human rights, political persecutions, and the decline of democracy within our nation.
A country on such a regressive path naturally finds itself in an uncomfortable position in the realm of international relations, causing discomfort among its peers. Our pledge is to diligently work towards rebuilding our democratic institutions, preserving human rights, and fostering equitable development.
We are confident that through these efforts, we can reestablish a positive and constructive relationship with the international community, a rapport that was eroded during the last two administrations.”
Watch Canal Antigua’s Interview in Spanish
Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic
At Latina Republic our mission is to foster regional understanding through stories, articles, interviews and reports that resonate from the heart of the Americas. Our primary objective is to encourage peaceful dialogue by shedding light on local perspectives often overlooked by mainstream media. We aspire to empower all stakeholders in resolving regional challenges by disseminating this valuable knowledge. We strive to capture the triumphs and struggles of everyday life in Latin America. Our stories track the evolution of social movements, amplifying the voices of those pioneering change.
