Background on Key Figures and Events
In October 2023, Guatemala witnessed widespread protests led by then-Vice Minister Luis Pacheco, who supported President-elect Bernardo Arévalo. These demonstrations were a response to allegations that the outgoing Fiscal General, Consuelo Porras, was attempting to orchestrate a “coup” to prevent Arévalo’s inauguration.
Consuelo Porras, the Fiscal General, was accused of corruption and anti-democratic practices by both the United States and the European Union. As a result, she faced sanctions. In turn, Porras initiated investigations against Arévalo and the 2023 elections, which Arévalo denounced as an attempted “coup.”
Arrest of Vice Minister Luis Pacheco
On the basis of a request from the Fiscalía, Luis Pacheco was arrested on charges of “illicit association, incitement to commit a crime, terrorism, obstruction of justice, and hindering law enforcement.”
President Arévalo condemned the arrest, stating in a press conference that it was an act of criminalizing “peaceful and democratic resistance” during the protests.
Protests and Demands
From October 2023 to January 2024, thousands of Guatemalans took to the streets and blocked roads to defend Arévalo’s electoral victory and demand Porras’ resignation. The protesters viewed Porras as a corrupt and anti-democratic figure who needed to step down.
Ongoing Conflict Between Fiscal and President
The tension between Porras and Arévalo persists, with the recent arrest of Pacheco highlighting the ongoing political turmoil in Guatemala.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Bernardo Arévalo? Bernardo Arévalo is the social democrat who won Guatemala’s presidential elections in 2023 and took office in January 2024.
- Who is Consuelo Porras? Consuelo Porras served as the Fiscal General of Guatemala until January 2024. She was accused of corruption and anti-democratic practices, leading to her being sanctioned by the US and EU.
- What were the protests about? The protests were initiated by supporters of President Arévalo, who aimed to defend his electoral victory and demand the resignation of Fiscal General Porras due to her alleged attempts at a “coup” against the democratic process.
- Why was Luis Pacheco arrested? Luis Pacheco, then-Vice Minister under President Arévalo, was arrested on charges of “illicit association, incitement to commit a crime, terrorism, obstruction of justice, and hindering law enforcement” at the request of the Fiscalía.
- What is the current status of the conflict? The conflict between Fiscal General Porras and President Arévalo remains unresolved, with the recent arrest of Pacheco illustrating the ongoing political turmoil in Guatemala.
