Guatemala’s Struggle Against Corruption: A Year After the National Strike
By Santiago Bastos Amigo
A year ago, Guatemalan society stood at a crossroads. The nation had narrowly avoided plunging into what many feared would be the consolidation of a corrupt regime, one that had been building its foundations over the last two governments. The so-called national Strike of October 2023, led by indigenous and community authorities, became a turning point.Supported by organized sectors and masses across the country, the movement successfully halted the illegal ambitions of the Corrupt Pact, a network of elites seeking to maintain their grip on power through the control of the Republic’s three branches of government.
The people took to the streets, not out of unwavering support for the president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo, but as a rejection of the anti-democratic structures that threatened their future. The movement’s central demand was the resignation of Attorney General Consuelo Porras and Rafael Curruchiche, head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity (FECI). Their actions, including attempts to annul the elections and strip Arévalo of immunity, were seen as emblematic of the systemic corruption plaguing the nation.
The National Strike was a vibrant display of unity and hope. Laughter, games, and songs filled the streets and highways, symbolizing a collective yearning for a life free from the illegal control of a privileged few. The movement’s success seemed to signal a new era, one where the will for change, as expressed in the elections, could finally take root.
Yet, a year later, the optimism has waned. Despite the popular push and the initial victories, the reality on the ground paints a grim picture.Refugees remain displaced, their numbers growing even under Arévalo’s administration. Communities continue to face evictions ordered by corrupt judges. law enforcement and judicial processes persist in exonerating the accused while targeting those who dare to oppose corruption. the re-imprisonment of journalist José Rubén zamora stands as a stark reminder of the system’s enduring flaws.
The renewal of the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) and the Chambers of Appeal, intended to bring reform, has instead revealed the resilience of the old guard. The newly elected courts have shown little inclination to challenge the status quo, allowing impunity to thrive. As Santiago Bastos Amigo reflects, “Our hope did not allow us to predict what was coming after the long-awaited inauguration of the president.”
The architects of corruption have proven adept at navigating crises. They have consolidated their power, operating as if the current government were irrelevant. Their networks, deeply entrenched and supported by both active and passive enablers, continue to operate wiht impunity. The chances of the Corruption Eradication Agreement taking hold grow slimmer with each passing day.
Amid this disillusionment, it is worth revisiting the three weeks of October 2023. The National strike was a powerful act of defiance, a moment when guatemalan society demonstrated its capacity for collective action.The attack on the Supreme Electoral tribunal (TSE) on September 30, 2023, was the final straw, sparking nationwide protests that paralyzed the country.
But as time moves on, the question looms: How long must Guatemalans wait while corruption continues to erode their future? Who will rise to say, “Enough is enough!”? has society lost its hope and energy, or is there still a spark waiting to ignite?
| Key Points | Details |
|—————–|————-|
| National Strike | Indigenous and community-led protests in october 2023 against the Corrupt Pact. |
| Main Demands | Resignation of Attorney General Consuelo Porras and FECI head Rafael Curruchiche. |
| Outcome | Temporary halt to anti-democratic actions, but systemic corruption persists. |
| Current Challenges | Continued impunity, judicial corruption, and targeting of anti-corruption activists. |
| Call to Action | Guatemalan society must decide whether to reignite the fight for justice or risk further erosion of democracy. |
The struggle for a cleaner, fairer Guatemala continues.The lessons of the National Strike remain relevant, but the path forward demands renewed courage and unity. As Santiago Bastos Amigo poignantly asks, “What do we have to wait now to fill the glass?” The answer lies in the hands of the people.
Guatemala’s Fight Against Corruption: A Year After the National strike
Table of Contents
In october 2023, Guatemala witnessed a historic moment as indigenous and community leaders spearheaded the National Strike, a nationwide protest against systemic corruption and the Corrupt pact. A year later, the struggle for justice and democracy continues, with challenges like judicial impunity and the targeting of anti-corruption activists persisting. In this interview, Senior Editor of World Today News, Maria Gonzalez, speaks with Dr. Carlos Mendez, a political analyst and expert on Guatemalan governance, to reflect on the movement’s impact, the current state of corruption, and the path forward for Guatemalan society.
The National Strike: A Turning Point for Guatemala
Maria Gonzalez: Dr. Mendez, the National Strike of October 2023 was a pivotal moment in Guatemala’s fight against corruption. Can you describe its significance and what it achieved?
Dr. Carlos Mendez: Absolutely, Maria. The National Strike was a watershed moment for Guatemala. It was a collective outcry against the Corrupt Pact, a network of elites that had entrenched itself in the country’s political and judicial systems. The movement, led by indigenous and community leaders, brought together people from all walks of life. it successfully halted attempts to undermine the democratic process, such as the efforts to annul the elections and strip President-elect Bernardo Arévalo of his immunity. For a brief moment, it felt like Guatemala was on the brink of real change.
Challenges in the Aftermath: Systemic Corruption and Impunity
Maria Gonzalez: A year later, it truly seems the optimism has faded. What are the key challenges Guatemala faces today in its fight against corruption?
Dr. Carlos mendez: Unluckily, the initial victories of the National Strike have not translated into systemic change. Corruption remains deeply entrenched, particularly within the judiciary. Corrupt judges continue to issue eviction orders against vulnerable communities, and law enforcement often targets anti-corruption activists while exonerating the powerful. The re-imprisonment of journalist José Rubén Zamora is a stark example of how the system continues to silence dissent. Additionally, the renewal of the Supreme Court of Justice and the Chambers of Appeal has not brought the expected reforms. The old guard remains resilient, and impunity thrives.
The Role of the Arévalo Governance
Maria Gonzalez: President Bernardo Arévalo was seen as a beacon of hope during the National Strike.How has his administration addressed thes challenges?
Dr. Carlos Mendez: while President Arévalo’s election was a victory for the anti-corruption movement, his administration has faced significant obstacles. The entrenched networks of corruption operate as if his government is irrelevant.They have consolidated thier power and continue to act with impunity. Arévalo’s efforts to implement the Corruption Eradication Agreement have been met with resistance,and the chances of meaningful reform grow slimmer each day. It’s a sobering reminder that electoral victories alone cannot dismantle deeply rooted systems of corruption.
lessons from the National Strike: A Call to action
Maria Gonzalez: The National Strike demonstrated Guatemalan society’s capacity for collective action. what lessons can be drawn from that moment, and what must happen now?
Dr. Carlos Mendez: The National Strike showed that Guatemalans are capable of uniting against injustice. It was a powerful act of defiance, filled with hope and determination. However, sustaining that momentum is the real challenge. Guatemalan society must decide whether to reignite the fight for justice or risk further erosion of democracy. The attack on the supreme Electoral Tribunal in September 2023 was the spark that ignited the protests, but the fire must be kept alive. It will take renewed courage, unity, and a clear vision for the future to overcome the systemic corruption that continues to plague the nation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Guatemala’s Anti-Corruption Movement
Maria Gonzalez: Dr. Mendez, what gives you hope for Guatemala’s future, and what must be done to ensure that the fight against corruption continues?
dr. Carlos Mendez: What gives me hope is the resilience and determination of the Guatemalan people. The National Strike proved that change is possible when society comes together. Tho, the fight against corruption requires sustained effort. Civil society, the media, and international allies must continue to hold the powerful accountable.The lessons of the National Strike remain relevant,but the path forward demands action. As santiago Bastos Amigo aptly asked, “What do we have to wait now to fill the glass?” The answer lies in the hands of the people. They must rise and say, “Enough is enough!”
This interview was conducted by Maria Gonzalez, Senior Editor at World Today News, with Dr. Carlos Mendez, a political analyst specializing in Guatemalan governance and anti-corruption efforts.
