Guatemala | President and Vice President Report Progress of First 30 Days in Office
Guatemala City, Feb 14 – President Bernardo Arévalo and Vice President Karin Herrera presented the results achieved in the first 30 days of their administration on Wednesday, reports Brenda Larios for AGN.
#EnDirecto | El presidente @BArevalodeLeon y la vicepresidenta @KarinHerreraVP participan en un acto especial por los 30 días de Gobierno. https://t.co/3i2eyTLcjj
— Gobierno Guatemala (@GuatemalaGob) February 14, 2024
“Thirty days ago, we began this new journey together. Dr. Karin Herrera and I took office with a firm commitment to improve the quality of life for all Guatemalan citizens.”
Arévalo emphasized the importance of informing the public about the actions taken in this first month:
“These 30 days have been spent with you, for you, and by you.”
During this month, progress has been made in areas such as security, health, education, dialogue with indigenous peoples, the business community, human rights, and the fight against corruption.
Security Progress
Regarding security, the president highlighted that among the actions taken in these first 30 days is the establishment of a unit to combat extortion, involving 440 agents nationwide.
Nine raids were conducted in various prisons during these 30 days to remove the illegal materials used for extortion within these detention centers.
At least 94 extortion suspects have been arrested, and two criminal structures have been dismantled, preventing 117 homicides.
Additionally, 340 raids were carried out, resulting in the arrest of 399 suspects of various crimes. On February 7th, zero homicides were recorded throughout the day, a significant achievement.
Education
Meanwhile, Vice President Karin Herrera reported progress in the Education sector. She highlighted that in the first 100 days, the refurbishment of 4,000 educational establishments is expected, with the goal of repairing 10,000 schools by the end of 2024.
Vice President Herrera added:
“We hope this will encourage 3.1 million children to enroll in schools by 2024.”
During this month, the school medical insurance, which had an annual budget of 300 million quetzales, was canceled.
The Ministry of Health will now provide the same service but improved, with the same funds. Additionally, support programs will be strengthened, benefiting children and adolescents.
Fight Against Corruption
The President provided information on the government’s anti-corruption efforts:
“We have removed 878 people from state administration positions due to possible indications of corruption in their actions.”
Efforts to recover La Aurora International Airport have been initiated through an interinstitutional committee.
Furthermore, an agreement providing security and vehicles for former government officials has been repealed.
Additionally, Santiago Palomo has been appointed as the new anti-corruption commissioner.
Indigenous Peoples and Mayors
During this period, the President signed an agreement to address the country’s agrarian situation.
At the municipal level, a new process for transparently electing governors with citizen participation was initiated.
After a selection process, a shortlist of candidates will be presented to the president for the selection of the country’s 22 governors.
Additionally, a peace strategy was developed to resolve conflicts between communities.
Hoy estuvimos brevemente con las mujeres de la Asamblea General de Mujeres Indígenas y Campesinas. Gracias por luchar desde sus espacios para que Guatemala avance junto a las niñas y mujeres. ? pic.twitter.com/GPsyUml1XK
— Karin Herrera (@KarinHerreraVP) February 14, 2024
Women in Leadership
President Arévalo noted the swearing-in of the first female commander of the Guatemalan Army, Hilda González Klusmann. This historic event opens the door for women in the military.
Culture
Vice President Herrera highlighted efforts to be closer to the population. In this first month, visits to the National Palace of Culture increased significantly. The Ronaldo Robles Press Room was opened to uphold freedom of expression.
Twelve press conferences were held, including visits from international human rights organizations.
Finally, in these 30 days, the government has taken the first step with 20 initiatives. This collaboration aims to achieve a better Guatemala.
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