It has been a period of drastic changes in what many are going as far as to call the “Guatemalan spring”. Large scale corruption of the political class has prevented any real growth, ensuring that 53.7% of Guatemala’s population live in poverty.
Guatemala’s Vice President, Roxana Baldetti, is in protective custody following her resignation after allegations of taking $3.8m in bribes between May 2014 and April 2015.
Former President, Otto Perez Molina resigned yesterday after Congress unanimously voted to strip him of his immunity. A court judge also issued a warrant for his arrest, clearing the way for him to be prosecuted on charges of customs fraud.
Perez is believed to have received $3.7m in bribes paid by importers in exchange for illegal discounts on their customs duty.
Guatemala’s congress has sworn in 79 year old Alejandro Maldonado as President, as he became Vice President after Baldetti’s ouster. He will hold the position until January 2016.
Maldonado is a former court judge.