Conferencia de Prensa del Presidente Bernardo Arévalo.

Guatemala's Progress and Challenges

Overview of the President's Address

• President Bernardo Arevalo addresses the public, marking a significant point in his term and presenting a report to Congress.

• He emphasizes that the second harvest of results reflects listening to the people and responding with tangible actions, showcasing progress in various sectors.

Key Achievements

• The government has made strides in education, housing, health, and economic stability while acknowledging ongoing challenges in infrastructure and security.

• Arevalo stresses the importance of justice and democracy, urging citizens to remain vigilant during upcoming elections.

Citizen Engagement

• Citizens are called upon to demand transparency and integrity in electoral processes, highlighting their role in safeguarding democracy.

• An open accountability event is scheduled for January 16 at Concha Acústica, inviting public participation for greater understanding of governmental actions.

Election Processes and International Relations

Questions from Journalists

• A journalist queries about the selection process for representatives on the Constitutional Court (CEC), seeking clarity on procedures.

• The president confirms an internal review process is underway for selecting appropriate candidates for CEC representation.

U.S. Visa Policy Concerns

• In response to questions regarding U.S. visa policies affecting Guatemala, Arevalo states they have not received official notifications but acknowledges awareness of general information circulating about residency visas.

• He clarifies that recent decisions by the U.S. involve multiple countries based on internal issues related to social security benefits rather than external factors.

Local Governance Issues

• A question arises concerning allegations made by a local mayor regarding police conduct; Arevalo indicates he is awaiting further reports on this matter.

Infrastructure Development and Diplomatic Relations

Overview of Infrastructure Challenges

• The president is questioned about the deficiencies in infrastructure during the second year of government, particularly regarding road construction and improvements.

• Inquiry into specific measures for expanding the national road network and updates on the appointment of a new U.S. ambassador, along with strategies for diplomatic relations with Washington.

Current State of Infrastructure

• The president acknowledges that infrastructure has been a significant challenge, categorizing it into three levels: tertiary roads (rural), primary/secondary national routes, and macro-infrastructure (ports, airports).

• Progress reported includes 730 kilometers of tertiary roads constructed this year, totaling 1,734 kilometers over two years; many previously unregistered rural roads are now being incorporated into maintenance programs.

Focus Areas for Improvement

• Emphasis on addressing disconnection in rural areas through improved investment in neglected regions like Covetenango and Altiplano.

• Acknowledgment that corruption has historically plagued contracts for primary and secondary road construction, complicating progress.

Legal Framework and Future Projects

• The administration has identified legal mechanisms to combat corruption in infrastructure projects; challenges have delayed progress but clarity on next steps is improving.

• New legislation related to critical road infrastructure is being implemented alongside collaboration with U.S. Army engineers for six infrastructure projects.

Upcoming Initiatives

• Identification of 81 new infrastructure projects planned for the upcoming year, with 42 prioritized under presidential goals for accelerated attention.

• Contracts are being finalized for these projects; specifics on total kilometers will be provided later as they vary by project type (e.g., repairs vs. new constructions).

Macro-Infrastructure Strategy

• Discussion on historical neglect of strategic macro-infrastructure such as ports; current efforts aim to modernize facilities that haven't seen investment in decades.

• Plans include expanding San José port and modernizing other ports while also reviving rail services to meet contemporary logistical needs.

Government Investment Initiatives

Overview of Aerial Communication Projects

• The government is reviewing a network of 14 aerodromes across the country to improve aerial communication mechanisms and conditions. This initiative aims to enhance overall air traffic management.

Upcoming Project Announcements

• Six projects are set to be announced in collaboration with the U.S. government, which will be part of a broader initiative that includes 81 events organized by the Ministry of Communications. Details will be provided in an upcoming announcement.

Acceleration of Public Investment

• The president highlights a focus on institutional recovery to accelerate public investment, questioning whether there has been a measurable increase in public works execution under his administration. He emphasizes transparency regarding investment percentages and outcomes.

Health Sector Investments

• Significant progress in health infrastructure is noted:

• The previous administration built four health posts; this government has constructed 42.

• Three hospitals are currently under construction, including expansions and new facilities aimed at improving healthcare access.

Educational Infrastructure Improvements

• Over two years, more than 22,000 schools have been renovated compared to only 4,000 during the previous four-year term.

• Plans include opening 534 new secondary institutes nationwide by February, addressing educational accessibility for underserved communities.

Social Welfare Programs

• The government reports significant social investments:

• Construction initiatives have improved living conditions for families by replacing dirt floors with cement.

• Programs targeting the poorest municipalities aim to eliminate dirt floors entirely and provide essential resources like stoves and water filters for better health outcomes.

Comprehensive Coverage for Vulnerable Populations

• Efforts are underway to ensure complete coverage of senior citizen assistance programs in impoverished areas through systematic household registration processes.

• This approach aims to eliminate clientelism in welfare distribution by ensuring aid reaches those most in need based on income levels rather than political connections.

Investment in Public Services and Security Measures

Overview of Public Investment

• The government is creating a unique registry to prevent individuals from receiving multiple benefits, ensuring equitable distribution of public resources.

• Increased budget allocations are necessary for hiring teachers, renovating schools, and enhancing police forces, highlighting the importance of public investment in education and security.

• The president encourages scrutiny of the government's financial reports, emphasizing transparency and accountability in public spending.

Addressing Crime and Violence

• A question was raised regarding evaluations of ministers and potential changes in leadership by 2026, indicating ongoing assessments within the executive branch.

• There has been an increase in crime rates as reported at the end of 2025; however, measures are being implemented to address this issue moving forward into 2026.

Trends in Violence Statistics

• Overall violence increased by 9% compared to the previous year but showed a decline during the latter half of 2025 due to new strategies being employed.

• The last quarter statistics indicate a decrease in homicides compared to both 2023 and 2024, suggesting that recent efforts may be yielding positive results.

Strategic Responses to Crime

• The government acknowledges that while there was a temporary rise in violence towards the end of December, they are committed to intensifying their efforts against crime.

• Collaboration between the Ministry of Governance and Defense focuses on targeted patrol strategies aimed at high-crime areas across different municipalities.

Specific Initiatives Against Organized Crime

• A specific operation named "Centinela" is underway targeting organized criminal networks responsible for extortion and other crimes in certain regions like Skwintla.

• The president reaffirms commitment to combating crime through coordinated efforts with various ministries while acknowledging the challenges involved.

Conclusion

• The session concludes with gratitude expressed towards media representatives present at the event. Emphasis is placed on accountability and community engagement as part of governance.