Conoce los avances en programas sociales y otros temas de interés en #LaRondaGt.

Bienvenida y Presentación de la Ronda Semanal

Introducción a la Ronda

• Se da la bienvenida a los medios de comunicación y se agradece su presencia, así como a la audiencia de Guatemala TV.

• Se agradece nuevamente a los periodistas por asistir a esta convocatoria semanal.

• Se presenta al presidente Bernardo Arevalo y otros funcionarios presentes en el evento.

Contexto del Evento

• La ronda está enfocada en presentar información basada en datos que impactan directamente en la vida de los guatemaltecos.

• El evento se lleva a cabo en la Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, destacando su colaboración con el gobierno.

Importancia del Monitoreo y Evaluación

Enfoque Basado en Datos

• El presidente destaca que el monitoreo y evaluación son fundamentales para medir el impacto del trabajo gubernamental.

• Se menciona que un estudio objetivo realizado por la universidad es clave para analizar las acciones del gobierno.

Desafíos Históricos y Estrategia "Mano a Mano"

Realidades Persistentes

• El presidente reconoce problemas históricos como pobreza y malnutrición que han persistido durante décadas.

• Resalta que gobernar implica tomar decisiones informadas basadas en datos para transformar realidades sociales.

Impacto de "Mano a Mano"

• La estrategia ha beneficiado 87,445 hogares en 18 municipios excluidos históricamente, mejorando salud y calidad de vida.

• Aunque no se puede erradicar la pobreza rápidamente, cada paso cuenta hacia una mejora tangible.

Transparencia en Asignación de Beneficios

Cambios Estructurales

• Ahora se utilizan mecanismos transparentes para asignar beneficios sociales, evitando prácticas clientelistas pasadas.

• La implementación ha transformado comunidades enteras, como el área Ixil, declarada libre de pisos de tierra.

Resultados Cuantitativos y Cualitativos

Avances Medibles

• Más de 900 mil intervenciones realizadas bajo la estrategia "mano a mano" con 11 instituciones colaboradoras.

• Un estudio cualitativo indica una reducción significativa en pobreza multidimensional: del 83.8% al 78.7%.

Dignidad y Presencia Estatal

• El gobierno busca devolver dignidad a las personas vulnerables mediante un enfoque colaborativo con las comunidades.

Registro Social de Hogares

Logros Significativos

• Celebración por alcanzar casi un millón de hogares registrados dentro del sistema social focalizado para atender privaciones específicas.

Democracy and Governance in Guatemala

Questions on Democracy and Legitimacy

• Journalist Kenneth Jordán questions the president about his government's stance on democracy, particularly regarding Walter Mazariegos' re-election amidst allegations of irregularities.

• The journalist asks how the government will respond to Mazariegos' upcoming inauguration given ongoing legal challenges.

• He inquires if the government plans any actions to uphold democratic principles concerning the election of USAC authorities.

Government's Position on Mazariegos

• The president states that Mazariegos lacks a finiquito (a clearance certificate), with 17 complaints filed against him, suggesting he may not be able to assume office legally.

• He emphasizes that municipal autonomy limits state intervention, but insists that municipalities should not oppose necessary development projects.

Economic Development and Risk Assessment

• The president calls for collaboration among municipal authorities to support strategic national projects rather than obstructing them.

• He highlights Guatemala's economic growth despite global recession, asserting that credit rating agencies recognize this progress.

Infrastructure Projects: Aerometer vs. Metro

Shift in Transportation Priorities

• Journalist Eduardo Perea questions why the government is prioritizing an aerometer project over the promised metro system.

• The president clarifies that the aerometer is a municipal project, not a government initiative, and reiterates commitment to developing the metro system.

Government's Role in Urban Development

• He explains ongoing discussions with the UK for funding a metro rail project while maintaining that local governments must fulfill their responsibilities regarding infrastructure licenses.

Safety Measures for LGBTIQ+ Community

Ensuring Rights During Public Events

• In response to concerns about safety during public demonstrations like Caminata de la Diversidad, he affirms police responsibility to protect human rights and maintain order during such events.

Posture on Democratic Situation in Peru

Inquiry into Peru's Elections

• Journalist Ashley Monson questions the president about the democratic situation in Peru and its election results.

• The president acknowledges the inquiry, indicating that the electoral authority has not yet declared a winner.

Electoral Authority's Role

• The Peruvian electoral authority is still determining the election outcome as of today.

• Emphasizes that close vote margins (less than 1%) are common in both Colombia and Peru, necessitating careful scrutiny by electoral bodies.

Definition of Election Winners

• The president states that official announcements from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal will define winners, not exit polls or informal mechanisms.

• He notes that congratulations will follow once a winner is officially recognized.

Discussions at Panama Meeting

Context of Political Divisions

• Highlights discussions from a closed-door meeting among leaders regarding contested elections with narrow victory margins.

• Stresses the need for political reflection on mutual responsibilities to maintain governance amid divided electorates.

Historical Reflection on Governance

• Discusses historical context related to independence and collaboration among new republics established 200 years ago.

Commitment to Multilateralism and Democracy

Key Discussion Points

• Emphasizes multilateralism's importance for Latin America and commitment to democracy during discussions at the Panama meeting.

• Advocates for an international system based on rights, dialogue, and cooperation as shared strategies for development.

Update on Malnutrition Mortality Rates

Current Statistics

• Journalist Heidi Pineda raises questions about acute malnutrition mortality rates; Secretary provides updates based on recent epidemiological data.

• Reports 14 deaths due to acute malnutrition this year compared to 60 last year.

Factors Influencing Mortality Rates

• Attributes lower mortality rates to fewer cases this year and improved response times in healthcare services addressing malnutrition signs.

Addressing Recent Events in Zipacate

Incident Report

• Questions arise regarding an incident involving police in Zipacate; President confirms receipt of reports clarifying misunderstandings about vehicle ownership involved in protests over land issues.

Legal Certainty and Human Rights

• President emphasizes efforts made by his government to ensure legal certainty across all sectors as essential for national tranquility and foreign investment.

• Affirms respect for peaceful demonstrations under constitutional rights while ensuring public order regulations are upheld.

Role of the Ministry of Governance and Civil National Police

Responsibilities in Public Protests

• The Ministry of Governance, through the Civil National Police, is tasked with ensuring both the protection of demonstrators' rights and maintaining public order. This dual responsibility aims to safeguard all individuals within society.

U.S.-Guatemala Relations: A Question from Sofia Araujo

Interpretation of Diplomatic Signals

• Journalist Sofia Araujo questions President Arevalo about the lack of an invitation for him from U.S. Secretary of War Peter Genset, contrasting it with an immediate invitation extended to another official. This raises concerns regarding how Guatemalans might interpret this as a reflection on his government's relationship with Donald Trump.

Cooperation with U.S. Military Command

Recent Visits Indicating Collaboration

• President Arevalo references a recent visit by General Donovan, commander of Southern Command, highlighting ongoing cooperation between Guatemala and the United States in security matters. This visit serves as a testament to their collaborative efforts against crime.

Official Statements from the U.S.

Evidence of Strong Relations

• The president encourages reviewing statements made by the U.S. embassy that affirm strong ties between both governments, emphasizing prior meetings involving defense ministers and other officials aimed at enhancing collaboration against crime.

Challenges in Coordination with Previous Officials

Issues Faced Due to Corruption

• Arevalo discusses difficulties in coordinating effectively with former officials like Mrs. Porres due to her visa issues and corruption allegations that hindered proper governmental functioning within the Public Ministry. This context sets up a contrast with current leadership's improved coordination efforts post-appointment of a new Attorney General.

Clarity on Government Relations

Understanding Diplomatic Nature

• The president asserts clarity regarding Guatemala's relations with the United States, urging attention to American government declarations that outline their diplomatic nature and mutual interests in combating crime together.

Questions on Metroriel Project from Mariana López

Details on Municipal Agreements

• Journalist Mariana López asks about agreements signed concerning Metroriel project implementation alongside municipal authorities, seeking insights into responsibilities outlined for both parties involved in this urban development initiative.

Framework Established for Metroriel Implementation

Responsibilities Defined Between Entities

• Two key documents were signed outlining responsibilities between the municipality and national government regarding environmental standards and construction norms necessary for implementing projects like Aerometro (Metroriel). The government ensures compliance without direct investment or design involvement in municipal projects.

Government's Role Clarified

Ensuring Compliance Without Direct Involvement

• The Aerometro project is primarily under municipal jurisdiction; however, it requires adherence to specific regulations enforced by the national government related to environmental impact assessments conducted previously (licenses issued in 2025). Thus, ensuring legal compliance remains crucial for project advancement while clarifying roles among stakeholders involved in its execution.

Reversion of Rights Over Railway Access

Changes Made for Project Advancement

• The previous contract allowed municipal intervention over railway access; however, this right has been reverted so that only the national government can influence Metroriel construction decisions moving forward—an essential step towards effective project implementation.

Study Results on Housing Initiatives

Insights from University Research

• A comprehensive study involving 390 participants across various communities will be released soon; preliminary findings highlight significant improvements in housing conditions such as cement floors and better sanitation facilities leading to enhanced living standards.

State Presence Impacting Communities

Addressing Historical Neglect

• Participants noted positive changes reflecting increased state presence where historically underserved communities felt abandoned; this outreach signifies a strategic intervention involving multiple public institutions aiming at improving community welfare through coordinated efforts.

Conclusion Remarks

Closing Statements by President Arevalo

• President Arevalo concludes by thanking attendees and media representatives for their participation while expressing gratitude towards those who tuned into coverage provided by Guatemala TV.