Dear all,
I hope this email finds you happy and healthy! I am excited to write to you to share the latest news in the fight against corruption in Guatemala.
Over the course of the last several months, revelations of a major corruption scandal that robbed the country's customs offices of some 2.5 million quetzales (or about 328,000 USD) per week have slowly unfolded. While corruption in Guatemala is nothing new, the public backlash against both the current administration's graft and “politics as usual” has been unprecedented. People from a wide array of backgrounds have come together to demand that those implicated in the scandal resign and face charges. Further, they are calling for election law reform in advance of the country's upcoming September election, based on a consultative, democratic process, so as to prevent other corrupt actors from taking charge of the country.
I hope this email finds you happy and healthy! I am excited to write to you to share the latest news in the fight against corruption in Guatemala.
Over the course of the last several months, revelations of a major corruption scandal that robbed the country's customs offices of some 2.5 million quetzales (or about 328,000 USD) per week have slowly unfolded. While corruption in Guatemala is nothing new, the public backlash against both the current administration's graft and “politics as usual” has been unprecedented. People from a wide array of backgrounds have come together to demand that those implicated in the scandal resign and face charges. Further, they are calling for election law reform in advance of the country's upcoming September election, based on a consultative, democratic process, so as to prevent other corrupt actors from taking charge of the country.
On Thursday, August 20, Guatemala's Public Ministry and CICIG (the UN-led International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala) publicly named the country's president, Otto Pérez Molina, as the ringleader of the scandal. These charges could potentially mean his resignation or the loss of immunity associated with his office, leaving him open to criminal charges and practical impeachment. Furthermore, ex-vice president, Roxana Baldetti, who was removed from her position several months ago due to her involvement, has been arrested.
The groundswell of public pressure against corruption has been truly amazing to see. The demand for change has crossed the boundaries of race, class, age and political difference and protesters have called for electoral reforms through democratic processes that allow for broad inclusion.
The groundswell of public pressure against corruption has been truly amazing to see. The demand for change has crossed the boundaries of race, class, age and political difference and protesters have called for electoral reforms through democratic processes that allow for broad inclusion.
With elections set for September 6, and the current frontrunner a major target of the protestors' disgust with corruption, it remains to be seen what protesters will be able to achieve in advance of that date. Molina may or may not resign; the election may or may not be postponed; electoral laws may or may not be reformed. However, with their dedicated and passionate turnout, the people of Guatemala have demonstrated their commitment to an end to corruption and impunity.
With love,
Martha
With love,
Martha