GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala: The inauguration ceremony at the National Theater in Guatemala City, President Bernardo Arevalo, who ascended to power in a surprising electoral victory last August, delivered a compelling speech outlining his commitment to rescue the nation from corruption and impunity.
Wearing the presidential sash, Arevalo fervently emphasized the importance of fortifying institutions against the corrosive influence of corruption and the insidious threat of authoritarianism.
The 65-year-old former lawmaker, diplomat, and sociologist underscored the challenges posed by criminal groups exploiting the democratic façade of state institutions to undermine the principles of freedom, equity, and justice. Arevalo’s ascent to power wasn’t without obstacles, as he faced a barrage of attempts to prevent his inauguration.
This included a contentious dispute in the opposition-dominated Congress over the status of 23 lawmakers from his Semilla (Seed) movement.
The suspension of his party on fraud allegations, widely perceived as politically motivated, heightened tensions, leading to a prolonged tug-of-war before the lawmakers were eventually accepted.
Amid the political turmoil, Arevalo’s late-night inauguration marked a symbolic turning point, signifying a renewed commitment to combating corruption and authoritarian tendencies in Guatemala’s political landscape.
