Any abuse of power can be condemned, but that is motivated by desperation and for personal gain. That is the case of the party in charge, called Samuel Pérez Álvarez, who presented, together with three other deputies elected by the Semilla Movement, a bill to repeal article 14 of the Public Ministry Law. It is indeed no longer discussed to modify it – including viable and concrete mechanisms to remove an Attorney General – but to repeal it.
Pérez et al. They presented the initiative identified with the number 6480 in the Legislative Directorate of the Congress.In a brief explanatory statement, they describe how article 14 – according to them – “affects constitutional supremacy” by limiting the presidential power to remove an Attorney General for just cause. All power – especially discretionary power – must be limited, but that doesn’t seem to matter much to Semilla. The proposal contains only 2 sections; The entire document seemed to have been written in a state of violent emotion, as constitutional supremacy never seemed to be limited since 2016 and even less so during her last term. But so far,it bothers them.
Semilla used the national budget to “reach a consensus” and modify the Organized Crime Law – to his advantage. That “consensus” cost the country dearly: GTQ 5000M and little else. After seeing how semilla found the lubricant for his whims, now that he intends to modify another law for his personal benefit, we will have to see how much this will cost. Although 2025 has already been approved, politicians always find ways to extract more money from the budget for their purposes.
The official party has already given its color, as they colloquially say; Bernardo Arévalo was much more moderate, although – regrettably – it is not expected that he will veto the barrel of those channels approved by Congress.
another case should be in the case of the reforms to the Law for the Integration of the Primary Productive and Agricultural Sector, which was also part of the indecent negotiations to get the votes that Semilla wanted. While valid, money laundering would be viable. Arévalo should veto that decree. Unless,of course,the Government doesn’t wrinkle its nose by enabling money laundering.
Previous governments and deputies abused their power, approving and changing laws at will, and for personal gain. the Semilla tribunal,led by Samuel Pérez,does the same. There is no way to hide it. They are exposed as dirty politicians, just like their partners in this dance of billions of quetzales.
What are the potential consequences of repealing article 14 of the Public Ministry Law in guatemala?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst: The Implications of Recent Legislative Actions in Guatemala
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview segment. Today, we’re discussing the controversial legislative initiative proposed by Samuel Pérez Álvarez and the Semilla Movement regarding the repeal of Article 14 of the Public Ministry Law. Joining us is political analyst Dr.Mariana Torres, an expert in Guatemalan law and governance. Dr. Torres, thank you for being here.
Dr. Mariana Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these critically important issues.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Can you explain why the proposed repeal of Article 14 is causing such a stir?
Dr. Mariana Torres: Absolutely. article 14 of the Public Ministry Law limits presidential powers to remove an Attorney General without just cause. The Semilla Movement, led by Pérez, argues that this article affects constitutional supremacy.However, many see this as an attempt to consolidate power for personal and political gain, especially given the party’s history of using legislative tools for financial and strategic advantages.
Time.news Editor: So it seems the initiative may not be entirely about constitutional integrity, but rather power dynamics. What implications could this have for governance in Guatemala?
Dr. Mariana Torres: The implications are profound. If this bill is passed, it would significantly weaken checks and balances within the judicial system and potentially pave the way for abuses of power reminiscent of previous administrations. This could erode public trust in government institutions and further entrench corruption, as it seems the current party is adopting behaviors similar to those they once criticized.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the legacy of previous governments regarding legislative abuse. How does the Semilla Movement’s behavior align with that of their predecessors?
Dr. Mariana Torres: The Semilla Movement, while positioned as reformists, seems to be repeating ancient patterns of using legislative changes for personal gain. They previously used the national budget to modify laws in their favor, and now, with the initiative to repeal Article 14, they are doing essentially the same thing. This raises concerns about their commitment to true reform versus self-serving governance.
Time.news Editor: It’s troubling to see such patterns repeated. what do you think needs to happen for real change to occur in Guatemala’s political landscape?
Dr. Mariana Torres: For genuine change, there needs to be stronger civic engagement and accountability mechanisms. There’s a pressing need for the broader public to hold their legislators accountable,insisting on clarity and demanding adherence to principles of justice and ethical governance. Additionally, more robust institutional checks must be reinforced to prevent any one party from wielding excessive power.
Time.news editor: That brings us to the role of civil society. How can they influence such legislative actions?
Dr. mariana Torres: Civil society must advocate vigorously for legislative transparency and push for reforms that limit the potential for abuses of power. grassroots movements, protests, and public campaigns can keep the pressure on legislators and ensure that the government remains responsive to the people. Public awareness and education about these issues are crucial for mobilizing support for accountability.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Torres, what practical advice would you give to our readers who want to stay informed and engaged on these issues?
Dr. Mariana Torres: I recommend that readers stay updated through reliable news sources, engage with grassroots organizations that focus on governance issues, and participate in local forums discussing these legislative changes.Engaging in conversations on social media and advocating for accountability can also amplify their voices. Every action counts in the fight for a more obvious and accountable government.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr.Torres, for your insights on such a complex and crucial topic. It’s clear that monitoring these developments is vital for the future of Guatemala’s democracy.
Dr. Mariana Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue these discussions to foster a more informed and active citizenry.
Time.news Editor: This concludes our interview. Stay tuned for more updates on this topic and others impacting political and social landscapes around the world.