Conoce las acciones más importantes en temas de clima, finanzas y desarrollo en #LaRondaGT.

Opening Remarks and Introduction

Welcome and Agenda Overview

• The session begins with a welcome to authorities, including Karina García Rojano, Secretary of Social Communication of the Presidency.

• President Bernardo Arevalo is introduced alongside key officials for the day's discussions.

Schedule and Focus Areas

• The meeting is scheduled from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM, with a planned departure at 8:50 AM for another event related to security strategy in Puerto Santo Tomás.

• Emphasis on the strategic focus areas: democracy, state resources, and prevention.

Historical Context and National Reflection

Commemoration of the 1976 Earthquake

• President Arevalo reflects on the historical significance of the 1976 earthquake in Guatemala, highlighting its impact on national solidarity.

• The tragedy mobilized cooperation among citizens to support those affected by the disaster.

Lessons Learned from Past Tragedies

• Remembering past tragedies serves as an evaluation tool for current institutional strength and preparedness against future disasters.

• A call to honor victims through proactive measures that enhance state capacity to protect citizens.

Current Political Climate and Judicial Elections

Importance of Judicial Elections

• Discussion on the election of a magistrate for the Constitutional Court, emphasizing its critical role in justice.

• Concerns raised about arbitrary criteria excluding certain professionals from participating in elections, indicating manipulation attempts.

Call for Active Participation

• Urging all lawyers and notaries to vote as abstaining would concede power to those manipulating democratic processes.

• Advocating for informed voting based on ethical considerations rather than self-serving interests that undermine democracy.

Budgetary Considerations for Governance

Executive Budget Proposal

• Transitioning into discussions about budget proposals aimed at ensuring continuity of services amidst challenges faced by citizens.

Financial Planning Insights

• Presentation of a proposed budget modification intended to enhance service delivery efficiency within government operations.

Budgetary Challenges and Legislative Responses

Overview of Budget Discrepancies

• The approved budget for 2025 shows significant differences compared to the original design, leading to funding gaps in essential services like education, health, and security.

• A budget from a previous year lacks necessary allocations to meet current governmental goals, impacting service delivery and operational effectiveness.

Legislative Initiatives

• The government proposed a law modification (Decree 3-Gion 2026) aimed at addressing revenue collection discrepancies between 2025 and 2026, with an expected increase of around 10 billion quetzals.

• Adjustments are being made to constitutional allocations that support various entities in achieving their objectives.

Financial Adjustments

• An increase in cash resource utilization by 1.5 billion quetzals is intended to reduce reliance on treasury bonds throughout the year.

• The primary source of revenue change stems from an increase in tax resources amounting to over 10.46 billion quetzals as per the Congress-approved modifications.

Expenditure Management

• All previously approved budget ceilings for entities have been reinstated except for the Ministry of Overnación, which received additional funding due to new legislative requirements for combating gangs.

• Specific allocations will support prison construction and tactical equipment procurement necessary for enhanced security measures.

Investment Opportunities

• New budget modifications enable investments from credit lines not included in the original 2025 budget, focusing on rural infrastructure improvements and electrification programs.

• Additional provisions allow extraordinary contributions towards development councils aimed at infrastructure projects related to water systems and waste management.

Future Financial Planning

• The presentation outlines how modified budgets align with established ceilings while ensuring compliance with legal mandates regarding electoral processes scheduled for 2027.

• Emphasis is placed on increasing resources allocated for social security and other mandated agencies as part of the financial restructuring efforts.

Budget Adjustments and Economic Growth in Guatemala

Budget Reordering for 2026

• The budget is being reorganized to align with this year's outcome objectives and legal commitments necessary for maintaining democracy.

• The fiscal deficit for 2025 was set at 3.5% of GDP, which has been maintained through modifications to ensure desired reductions.

Financing the Deficit

• A new financing method has been introduced, increasing cash resources while reducing the issuance of treasury bonds throughout the year. This change aims to improve financial stability.

• A recalculation of the deficit and its financing methods will be made available for review, highlighting increased cash resources as a key component.

Transparency and Accountability in Budget Execution

• The modification under Decree 3-2026 reinstates regulations aimed at ensuring transparent and effective budget execution, fostering ongoing dialogue with society regarding future budgets.

• All ministries are now equipped with sufficient resources to meet their established goals for 2026, supporting expectations of robust economic growth.

Economic Growth Projections

• The Bank of Guatemala confirmed a projected economic growth rate of 4.1% for 2026, aligning with government targets and indicating potential job creation opportunities. This positions Guatemala as a leader in Central American economic growth due to a strong investment capacity reflected in the current budget of Q41 billion.

Disaster Preparedness: Learning from Past Events

Commemorating Historical Earthquakes

• Reflecting on the devastating earthquake of 1976 emphasizes the importance of preparedness against similar risks in the future through learning and transformation efforts focused on public safety.

National Earthquake Drill Initiatives

• A national earthquake drill is scheduled for February 24th to enhance prevention culture and response capabilities among Guatemalan citizens amidst frequent seismic activity (11,811 recorded earthquakes last year).

Community Involvement in Safety Measures

• Over 1,600 evacuation plans have been developed across various municipalities; participation from all sectors is crucial during drills to identify strengths and weaknesses within emergency response systems.

Earthquake Preparedness and Institutional Coordination

The Impact of the 1976 Earthquake

• In 1976, a devastating earthquake resulted in over 23,000 fatalities and affected thousands of families. This historical event underscores the importance of preparedness in mitigating disaster impacts.

• Simulations are emphasized as critical opportunities for learning how to act during emergencies, protecting lives, and enhancing community resilience.

Importance of National Simulations

• The upcoming national simulation aims to assess institutional coordination, resource availability, response times, and the effectiveness of existing emergency plans.

• A call is made to media outlets to inform and engage the public in these simulations, highlighting that prevention is a collective responsibility.

Upcoming Judicial Appointments

Announcement of Judicial Convocation

• On February 9th, a convocation will be published regarding appointments for magistrates at the Constitutional Court by the Presidency.

• The process begins on February 9th and concludes on March 14th. It will be guided by ethical standards aimed at ensuring justice and democracy in Guatemala.

Selection Process Integrity

• The selected individuals from this process are expected to uphold constitutional values rather than serve private interests.

Response to Recent Disasters

Assistance for Earthquake Victims

• Questions arise about assistance for those who lost homes or suffered damage due to recent earthquakes. There is an emphasis on timely support for affected communities.

Updates on Aid Distribution

• Approximately 7,400 families have been impacted across various regions (Zacatepeque, Escuintla, Jutiapa). Emergency verification notes are being distributed weekly to facilitate aid distribution.

Border Security Measures

Enhancements in Border Security Operations

• Ongoing border security operations include "Cinturón de Fuego," which aims to restrict criminal activities along borders with Mexico.

• Military presence has been reinforced at key points along the border following previous incidents involving drug trafficking attempts into Guatemala.

Operational Effectiveness

• Recent military deployments successfully repelled incursions by organized crime groups without casualties among Guatemalan forces. A new military base is under construction to further secure vulnerable areas against illegal activities.

Military Operations and Security Enhancements

Establishment of Military Base

• A military base focused on jungle operations will be established in the area, consolidating various operational forces including military and forest guards for enhanced security.

Border Security Measures

• Ongoing operations by the Navy aim to prevent illegal trafficking across both Pacific and Atlantic borders, showcasing significant achievements over the past two years.

Maritime Surveillance Capabilities

• Guatemala has gained unprecedented maritime surveillance capabilities, allowing for high-seas monitoring thanks to donations of vessels and efficient operational fleets. This marks a historic first for the country.

Drug Trafficking Interventions

• Recent successful operations led to the seizure of nearly five tons of cocaine at Puerto Quetzal, highlighting improved cooperation in combating illicit activities at ports. Similar successes have been noted at Santo Tomás de Castilla.

Task Force Implementation

• Plans are underway to establish a task force aimed at increasing security measures in ports, supported by training and military resources previously unavailable in Guatemala. Enhanced intelligence sharing is also emphasized as crucial for operational effectiveness.

Prison System Challenges

Involvement of Former Officials

• Questions arise regarding potential involvement of former officials in prison system issues, particularly concerning the introduction of contraband into facilities like Renacimiento 1. The need for accountability is highlighted.

Budgetary Concerns for DIB

• Discussion on budget allocations for the Department of Infrastructure (DIB) raises concerns about available resources and their impact on future budgets, specifically looking ahead to 2027.

Legal Accountability Measures

Addressing Corruption within Prisons

• Any individual found involved in introducing contraband into prisons will face legal action; ongoing investigations have already led to multiple denunciations against penitentiary staff implicated in such activities. Evidence is essential for prosecution efforts.

Disinformation Campaign Awareness

• There is an acknowledgment that some narratives from gang members may serve as disinformation tactics rather than factual accounts; thus, evidence-based approaches are necessary when addressing claims made by these individuals.

Extradition Policies

No Agreements with Other Countries

• The president clarifies there are no intentions to sign agreements allowing the transfer of gang members or other prisoners abroad outside existing extradition processes related to drug trafficking or other serious crimes being pursued actively by law enforcement agencies.

Extradition Process and Budgetary Allocations

Extradition Clarifications

• The government will continue extraditing individuals wanted by U.S. justice and other countries, but no additional arrangements are in place.

• A question was raised regarding any allegations against former Minister Francisco Jiménez, emphasizing the role of the Public Ministry in defining such allegations.

Infrastructure Budgeting

• The budget process involves reallocating 1.7 billion quetzals from the DIB to road infrastructure due to DIB's current lack of execution capacity. This decision was made by Congress after careful consideration.

• Resources must be used for improving and maintaining Central American roads, with provisions allowing expedited contracting processes for these projects under Article 95 of the Law on Priority Public Infrastructure.

Financial Management Insights

• The recent budget modification maintains rapid execution capabilities for allocated resources while addressing errors in existing infrastructure laws that require adjustments before being presented to Congress.

• The use of cash reserves has been based on improved revenue collection exceeding targets by approximately 3.5 billion quetzals, with a portion (1.5 billion) utilized without affecting future budget proposals for 2027. This approach aims to maintain healthy public finances and stimulate economic growth and employment in Guatemala.

Security Measures and Crime Reduction

Impact of Security Operations

• January reported a 20% decrease in homicides alongside reductions in other crimes like extortion, attributed to combined efforts between the National Civil Police and the Guatemalan Army under a state of emergency framework aimed at dismantling gangs responsible for violence against police members.

• Operation Sentinela exemplifies successful collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies targeting crime hotspots, demonstrating effective operational strategies that will be replicated across other regions experiencing similar issues.

Judicial Appointments Process

Nominations for Constitutional Court Representatives

• Questions arose regarding why a nomination process is being initiated when direct appointments are within executive powers; officials clarified that they are inviting candidates who meet specific profiles rather than altering existing nomination procedures directly controlled by the President. Documentation requirements will be outlined as part of this process moving forward.

Legal Review Process for Constitutional Court Appointments

Overview of the Selection Process

• The legal team from the presidency will conduct a review of candidates, allowing individuals to submit their resumes for consideration.

• The process adheres to constitutional mechanisms and laws, ensuring that established procedures are respected in selecting magistrates.

• Candidates must align with the interests of a rule-of-law state, emphasizing respect for the Guatemalan Constitution and prioritizing the common good over personal interests.

Concerns About External Pressures

• A journalist raises concerns about potential pressures on decision-making regarding high-level appointments, specifically mentioning the Attorney General and Constitutional Court magistrates.

• There is an acknowledgment that while external pressures may exist, those attempting to exert influence are likely to fail in their efforts.

Community Engagement and Cultural Events

Upcoming Activities

• The president thanks attendees and shifts focus to community activities, including support for youth soccer teams aiming for World Cup qualification.

• Emphasis is placed on encouraging public support for young athletes during their qualifying matches.

Safety Measures for Motorcyclists

• An announcement is made regarding safety measures during an upcoming motorcyclist event, highlighting trained personnel available to ensure order and security.

Commemorative Events

• A reminder of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 earthquake is mentioned, along with plans for commemorative activities by local organizations.

Cultural Initiatives

• The Ministry of Culture announces free concerts scheduled throughout Wednesday as part of cultural engagement efforts post-holiday season.

• Specific concert details include performances at notable venues featuring local artists aimed at promoting cultural appreciation.