48 Cantons of Totonicapán: Statement on Announcement of New Ministerial Cabinet by Guatemala’s new president-elect, Bernardo Arevalo.
Guatemala
Regarding the announcement of Guatemala’s new cabinet appointed by the elected presidential duo of Bernardo Arevalo and Karin Herrera, the 48 Cantons of Totonicapán issued a statement that highlighted their disappointment with a “historical missed opportunity” for an inclusive government:
“We regret that the elected government did not take advantage of the historic opportunity to form an inclusive government cabinet, as the participation of officials originating from Maya, Garifuna, and Xinca communities is vital for the implementation of real and culturally, socially, and legally sound public policies for our brothers.
We urge the elected government to consider our voices and demands during the first 100 days of administration, as well as the professional profiles of our brothers, to ensure genuine participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making.
#Gabinete? Los 48 Cantones lamentan que el gobierno electo no aprovechó la oportunidad histórica de integrar un Gabinete de gobierno incluyente
Instamos al gobierno electo a que en los primeros 100 días de gestión considere nuestras voces, señalaron.
? @simon_antun pic.twitter.com/xZSCFYTNV8
— Prensa Comunitaria Km169 (@PrensaComunitar) January 9, 2024
Especially in the ministries of economy, education, agriculture, environment and natural resources, communication, and energy and mines, as these areas are crucial for the development of our communities.
Indigenous peoples do not lose hope of someday being part of an inclusive government, not only in words but in addressing the real needs of the majority of the population, which are us, the indigenous peoples.
The 48 Cantons of Totonicapán will always stand against corruption but also against exclusion, so we call for participation in defense of the country’s democracy. We thank the people of Guatemala as well as the various social actors for responding to the call to defend constitutional and institutional order, as well as the tireless struggle for the strengthening of democracy in Guatemala. Long live the 48 Cantons! Long live Guatemala!”
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