On January 14, Guatemala witnessed a historic day of democratic renewal as President-elect Bernardo Arévalo faced challenges in assuming office. Thousands gathered in Guatemala City to celebrate the victory of democracy, particularly indigenous groups who had played a crucial role in ensuring their vote was respected. However, the mood shifted from celebration to protest as news of a coup attempt emerged, leading to a shouting match and physical intimidation in the congress. The constitutional court upheld the suspension of the Semilla Movement, and there were delays and attempts to exclude the newly elected members from taking office. Despite the resistance, President-elect Arévalo and his allies eventually secured victory in forming the congress leadership. The international community, including the U.S. and the European Union, supported the democratic process. Finally, after a delay, President-elect Arévalo was able to be sworn in, marking a triumph for democracy in Guatemala.
CHC Chair @RepBarragan, Vice Chair @NormaJTorres, & @RepLouCorrea Statement on Inauguration of Guatemalan President @BArevalodeLeon: https://t.co/cjtfmOKevg
The strong stand for democracy by the US government and the European Union made all the difference in Guatemala as a reformist president is inaugurated despite corrupt, autocratic resistance. If only the US and EU stood up for democracy in the Middle East. https://t.co/bd102Sk7yN
A victory for democracy in Guatemala over the corrupt, autocratic forces that tried to stop the freely elected presidential candidate from taking office. https://t.co/uxp2wVgVhw
Congratulations to Carlos Ramiro Martínez @ramiro_mar75642 on his appointment as Guatemala’s Foreign Minister. I look forward to further developing our excellent relations together. We count on Guatemala’s continued firm support for Ukraine, international law, and freedom. 🇺🇦🇬🇹
Last night's inauguration was a testament to the determination and conviction of the Guatemalan people to make their voices heard and tirelessly defend their democracy. Congratulations to President Arévalo and Vice President Herrera! https://t.co/cWNvRqjMjQ
The nightmare of the Golpistas has become their reality 🇬🇹 The Executive Board of the Guatemalan Congress — featuring @BancadaSemilla's @samuel_pz and @MovimientoWinaq's @SoniaGRaguay — has been sworn into office. The coup, for now, is over. https://t.co/n2zQ834Wb7
This is what a giant triumph for democracy looks like this evening in Guatemala. This is what it looks like when a group of young people, the indigenous communities outsmart, outmaneuver and outlast a political elite that had come to be known as the pact of the corrupt. https://t.co/zerSpBkFvB
Here in the National Theater in Guatemala City awaiting @BArevalodeLeon when word came that he would finally be able to be sworn in, the room broke out into cheers of “si se pudo.” Waiting for the new President’s arrival soon. https://t.co/mWndPiiRDT
After a delay of 8+ hours, president-elect Bernardo Arévalo's Semilla and allies win a victory in forming #Guatemala's congress leadership. Opponents had tried to exclude them because the legality of party founding in 2017-2018 has been challenged. SO much drama in 🇬🇹 today... https://t.co/XEJrPgtcHJ
The Guatemalan people have spoken, and their will must be upheld. @BArevalodeLeon is #Guatemala's legitimately elected president, and the peaceful transfer of power must be allowed to proceed.
Guatemala: The new Congress has been sworn in and begun its session. Semilla (centre-left) deputies were sworn in as independents due to the suspension of the party's registration today. Lacking an official bench will impede their powers and they are protesting this. #Guatemala
The Foreign Minister of Cuba and Samantha Power @PowerUSAID are united in their views that the Progressive Left in Guatemala won the election and must be put into power. Cuba stands with Biden. https://t.co/daKPptb9J6
Richard Grenell (of the trump administration) met with the president of Guatemala yesterday. Today, Inauguration Day for the president-elect, the congress of Guatemala is refusing to allow the transfer of power. Grenell is not acting alone. https://t.co/KDko4ZjaRs
#Cuba reitera su apoyo al presidente electo de la República de #Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo de León, e insta a respetar la voluntad popular, expresada en los resultados de las elecciones presidenciales.
Ratificamos nuestro apoyo al Presidente electo de la República de #Guatemala @BArevalodeLeon. La voluntad y decisión democrática del pueblo guatemalteco debe respetarse.
The Guatemalan Congress must fulfill its constitutional duty and hand over power to President-elect Bernardo Arévalo and Vice President-elect Karin Herrera. The Guatemalan people expressed their democratic will in a free, fair, and transparent election. https://t.co/42WXkfjsT0
There is no question that Bernardo Arevalo is the President of Guatemala. We call on all sides to remain calm — and for the Guatemalan Congress to uphold the will of the people. The world is watching.
Guatemala’s president-elect insisted he will take office on Sunday afternoon even after congress initially refused to swear in lawmakers for the 2024-2028 period https://t.co/QRG0hEkAEt
Guatemala: The Constitutional Court has upheld a move by outgoing congressional leadership to suspend the Semilla Movement (centre-left) and declare their legislators as independent. #Guatemala
The indigenous authorities have decided to march. A celebration for a win for democracy in Guatemala has turned into a protest against an attempt to stop a peaceful transition of power. https://t.co/Kg4hWY2wkt
#Guatemala: Central America's largest nation deserves attention this Sunday for the political drama playing out as it attempts to inaugurate a new president and his allies in congress https://t.co/mVTpH0JXS1
The mood at Guatemala City’s main square has turned from celebration to protest. The indigenous leaders here say a coup attempt is in progress. “Out with the coup plotters,” they are shouting. Decision, they say, hasn’t been made as to what next. https://t.co/4UgdGuZ5nB
A shouting match and physical intimidation in #Guatemala's congress, as opposition lawmakers from traditional parties attempt to keep newly elected members from President Bernardo Arévalo's Semilla party from being seated in the legislature as a group https://t.co/SLHQ5Rbu0y
Of course inauguration day is not going smoothly in Guatemala. Here's what's going on. 🧵 1️⃣ The key arena right now is congress. Here is what that looks like right now: https://t.co/dTbbbprVzq
“Out with the coup plotters!” a small crowd shouts. News of a plot to stop a peaceful transition of power is slowly reaching the thousands of Guatemalans who were out on the streets ready to celebrate. https://t.co/czOolSz2bK
Here’s how different indigenous groups from across Guatemala are marching into the capital city. It was them who set up nationwide-roadblocks, it was them who stayed on the streets for 100+ days to make sure their vote was respected. 1/ https://t.co/gITZhS1XDd
Good morning from Guatemala City, where thousands are converging to celebrate the unlikely victory of democracy. https://t.co/UJyk4toHUN
May Jan 14 be remembered as a day of democratic renewal for Guatemala 🇬🇹 One that’s years - even decades - overdue. https://t.co/klqv0fVhgF