Protesters burn part of Guatemala’s Congress building
PTI, Nov 22, 2020, 7:34 PM IST
Guatemala City: Hundreds of protesters broke into Guatemala’s Congress and burned part of the building Saturday amid growing demonstrations against President Alejandro Giammattei and the legislature for approving a budget that cut educational and health spending.
The protest came as about 7,000 people were demonstrating in front of the National Palace in Guatemala City against the budget, which protesters say was negotiated and passed by legislators in secret while the Central American country was distracted by the fallout of back-to-back hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Video on social media showed flames shooting out a window in the legislative building.
According to media reports, security agents fired tear gas at protestors and there were people injured.
Giammattei condemned the fires in his Twitter account Saturday: “Anyone who is proven to have participated in the criminal acts will be punished with the full force of the law.”
He wrote that he defended people’s right to protest, “but neither can we allow people to vandalize public or private property.”
The president said he had been meeting with various groups to present changes to the controversial budget.
Discontent had been building over the 2021 budget on social media and clashes erupted during demonstrations on Friday.
Guatemalans were angered because lawmakers approved $65,000 to pay for meals for themselves, but cut funding for coronavirus patients and human rights agencies.
Vice President Guillermo Castillo has offered to resign, telling Giammattei that both men should resign their positions “for the good of the country.”
He also suggested vetoing the approved budget, firing government officials and attempting more outreach to various sectors around the country.
Giammattei had not responded publicly to that proposal and Castillo did not share the president’s reaction to his proposal.
Castillo said he would not resign alone.
The spending plan was negotiated in secret and approved by the congress before dawn Wednesday.
It also passed while the country was distracted by the fallout of hurricanes Eta and Iota, which brought torrential rains to much of Central America.
The Roman Catholic Church leadership in Guatemala also called on Giammattei to veto the budget Friday.
“It was a devious blow to the people because Guatemala was between natural disasters, there are signs of government corruption, clientelism in the humanitarian aid,” said Jordan Rodas, the country’s human rights prosecutor.
He said the budget appeared to favour ministries that have historically been hotspots of corruption.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Expect Canadian government to ensure justice, uphold rule of law: PM Modi
Khalistanis clash with people at Hindu temple in Canada, Trudeau says unacceptable
Trump says he would not mind somebody ‘shooting’ at him through fake news
US Elections: New Iowa poll shows Kamala Harris leading in presidential race
India-US partnership most important globally for future: Democratic leader Makhija
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court
Actress Kasthuri stokes controversy by her remarks on Telugu-speaking people in TN
Three convicted for 2016 Kollam collectorate blast case
Expect Canadian government to ensure justice, uphold rule of law: PM Modi
Group clash in Indore after argument over bursting firecrackers: NSA slapped against 2 accused
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.