Guatemala City, by Brenda Larios -AGN-. President Bernardo Arévalo and Vice President Karin Herrera presented the results achieved in the first 30 days of their administration.
President Arévalo stated, “Thirty days ago, we began to walk in this new cycle. Thirty days ago, Dr. Karin Herrera and I took office with a firm and clear commitment to improving the quality of life of all Guatemalans.”
He stressed that it is important that people know the actions taken during this first month. The Arévalo-Herrera administration achieved advances in security, health, education, strengthening dialogue with indigenous peoples, business, human rights, and the fight against corruption during the month.
Security
President Arévalo highlighted the creation of an anti-extortion unit with 440 officers at the national level to combat this crime. The authorities have carried out nine raids in different prisons to remove the illegal material used to carry out extortion inside these prisons.
They have captured at least 94 extortion suspects and dismantled two criminal structures, preventing 117 homicides.
Law enforcement carried out 340 raids and arrested 399 suspects of different crimes. On February 7, there were zero homicides in the whole day. It had been a long time since this had happened.
Education
Vice President Karin Herrera reported on the progress made in education. She highlighted that in the first 100 days, 4 thousand schools are expected to be renovated, and by the end of 2024, the goal is to reach 10 thousand repaired schools.
The government canceled the school health insurance; the Ministry of Health will provide this same service, but it will be improved with the same funds. In addition, support programs will be strengthened; for example, a second delivery of school supplies will be made at mid-year, which will benefit children and teenagers.
Fight against corruption
The president also reported on his government’s fight against corruption and how they have removed 878 people from the state administration whose positions were fake or were not justified, or, in most cases, due to possible indications of corruption in their actions.
After the dismissal of Francis Argueta, the government established an interagency board to rescue the “La Aurora” International Airport since it was abandoned due to the corruption of the previous authorities.
The agreement that directed security and vehicles for ex-officials prescribed for five years by officials of the previous government was revoked. The current instructions were that vehicles for functions may not be used on weekends, only when there is an authorized mission.
Santiago Palomo was appointed a new anti-corruption commissioner to fight corruption and denounce offending officials at all levels.
Indigenous peoples and governors
President Arévalo signed an agreement to address the agrarian situation in the country, which has been the cause of a conflict that must be addressed and prevented. This agreement supports access to land, the agricultural economy, territorial articulation, and creating a space for dialogue.
At the municipal level, a new process for governors’ elections was promoted transparently and with citizen participation, registering 1,500 files of registered candidates.
After selection, a shortlist of 22 candidates will be presented to the president to elect the country’s governors.
Finally, the authorities designed a peace strategy to solve the conflict between the Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán and Nahualá communities.
Leadership for women
According to President Arévalo, the first female commander of the Guatemalan Armed Forces was sworn in during these 30 days, a historic event that opened the door for women who have decided to choose a military career.
Creompaz’s new Military Health Colonel, Hilda González Klusmann, 54, is in charge of the training center for Guatemalan and foreign military personnel sent to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
La delegación de #CIDHEnGuatemala, liderada por @TaniaReneaum, Secretaria Ejecutiva junto al Relator Especial @PVacav se reunió con el Presidente @BArevalodeLeon. Dialogaron sobre el marco de la visita de seguimiento a la medida cautelar vigente del periodista José Ruben Zamora y… pic.twitter.com/az7kLUcco9
— CIDH – IACHR (@CIDH) February 13, 2024
Culture
The vice president underscored that the commitment is to be closer to the people, breaking down the barriers that exist with them. In this first month, the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura has received more than 3,000 visits in 2024, compared to 1,172 visits in 2023.
During these 30 days of government, the Ronaldo Robles Press Room was opened as part of the country’s commitment to free expression of thought, and 12 press conferences were held, seven led by the ministers.
After eight years, this administration received the visit of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights -IACHR-, Pedro Vaca.
Finally, in these 30 days, the Government of Guatemala took the first step with 20 initiatives to share with the population to work together to continue taking those steps to achieve a better Guatemala.
