More than a year after the scandal regarding the creation of signatures for the establishment of the Semilla Movement party was “exposed,” nothing has been defined. And that, more or less, is what we have where we are.
At the end of the year 2024, it is indeed timely to review how we got here—politically—in Guatemala.
Beyond the most immediate concerns of citizens – insecurity,lack of employment,high cost of living – there is no doubt the fight against corruption. This last one,like the previous ones,is a concern of the State.
A transverse axis in all of this is the lack of institutions — or the weak institutions — that are emerging in the country. this is why mafias find fertile ground to plant the seeds of corruption and co-optation. In other latitudes, a strong institutional framework is a good defense against corruption, even though it is indeed not infallible. What happens is that it seems in the State of Guatemala not only that they do not oppose it, but that it is invited and promoted.
The forgery of the signature referred to is not a controversial fact, but that the president recognizes himself—and the secretary general of the party—Bernardo Arévalo. After a citizen reported that his signature was included without his consent in the establishment of Semilla, Arévalo filed his own complaint in this regard. Of course, he blames others for the legal duty of the party and its representatives. The point is that the origin of this political-judicial mess has not been clarified; at the Public Ministry, but not at Semilla either. Arévalo made Pilate’s head simple.
If there is certainty about “what happened then”, the population may have more clarity about the rest of the actions and events that seem to be intertwined, but not necessarily that’s so. Specifically,a very suspicious relationship between the signature forgery,the - of course – overvalued acquisition of computer programs by the electoral authority,and alleged fraud. If only the first were clarified, the following would be clear, in one sense or another. But no.
Zooming in on the forgery, that should be an indication of what Semilla would be capable of. On the one hand, the Executive blames Raymundo and half the world for their responsibility – as happened with Arévalo’s complaint – and on the other, Semilla del Legislativo, is able to make an agreement with the devil himself to achieve their objectives. —no matter how selfish they are—just as happened with the distribution of billions of quetzals from the budget, passing laws for their own benefit.
Signatures were created to establish Semilla and those responsible must respond; That is not political persecution, that is accountability. Who could be against accountability? Well, only those who are responsible, those who know must pay for it.
How can citizens in Guatemala hold their leaders accountable to combat corruption effectively?
Interview with Dr. Laura Mendoza: Understanding the Political Landscape and corruption in Guatemala
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mendoza. To start, could you give us an overview of the current political situation in Guatemala, especially in light of the Semilla Movement party signature scandal?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The situation in Guatemala is quite complex. The Semilla Movement was established amid allegations of signature forgery, and more than a year later, the political and judicial ramifications are still unclear. This confusion has contributed to a growing distrust among citizens regarding their institutions.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of strong institutions in combating corruption. Could you elaborate on how weak institutions have fueled corruption in Guatemala?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: Certainly. Strong institutional frameworks typically provide safeguards against corruption, acting as a check on power. In Guatemala, however, we see a lack of these safeguards.The weak institutions fail to oppose corruption, and in many instances, we see that these actions are either ignored or, disturbingly, facilitated by state actors. This creates a fertile ground for corrupt practices.
Time.news Editor: The article states that the current governance, including President Bernardo Arévalo, is tangled in this political web. How does this reflect on the accountability measures, or lack thereof, in the country?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: The situation underscores a important accountability gap. While President Arévalo has acknowledged the allegations against Semilla regarding the forged signatures, there’s insufficient progress in clarifying these claims. Accountability is crucial for restoring trust, yet it seems there is a reluctance to address these issues head-on. This inaction not only affects public confidence but also encourages a culture where corruption is overlooked.
Time.news Editor: In your opinion, what can be done to bring clarity and resolution to these issues surrounding political corruption in Guatemala?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: First and foremost, transparency is essential. The Public Ministry must take decisive action to investigate these allegations thoroughly, without bias. Additionally, strengthening institutional capacity through reforms can create a more resilient framework to tackle corruption.Civil society must also play an active role by holding leaders accountable and demanding answers. Ultimately, this should not just be about political survival, but about standing up for the citizens of Guatemala.
Time.news Editor: The citizens of Guatemala are facing immediate concerns like insecurity and high living costs, alongside corruption. How do these issues intersect?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: It’s crucial to understand that corruption exacerbates everyday challenges like insecurity and economic instability. When funds meant for public services are misappropriated, it directly impacts citizens’ quality of life. Thus, combating corruption should be seen as a pathway to addressing broader socio-economic issues. Citizens must prioritize accountability when electing leaders to ensure they are investing in the welfare of the public, not in self-serving agendas.
Time.news Editor: As we approach the end of 2024, what should the citizens of Guatemala look for in their political representatives to ensure true change?
Dr.Laura Mendoza: They should seek representatives who demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability. This means looking beyond rhetoric; citizens need to assess past actions and policies. Additionally, reform-minded candidates who support strengthening institutions and promoting civic engagement will be essential to forging a future free of corruption. Voter education is critical in this process.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights today, Dr. Mendoza. It’s clear that the fight against corruption in Guatemala is pivotal for the country’s future.
Dr. Laura mendoza: My pleasure, and I hope that through these discussions, we can inspire constructive action towards a more obvious and accountable political system in guatemala.
