Due to the order of the Constitutional Court (CC), dictated by Congress on November 30 and confirmed by the President of the country, Alejandro Giammattei, to suspend spending cap of 116 thousand 130.6 million quetzales (almost a billion dollars).
The minister added that he was waiting for the judges to make a final decision regarding 2024 before December 31, but since this did not happen, it was decided to start with the precedent established by the agreement 1-2024 was made official in the Diario of the American Center.
When asked by the local press what would happen if the Central Committee issued a final decision and changed its mind, Martínez indicated that “it would be difficult to cancel the execution that began today and start with a different budget.” In a In a statement addressed to lawmakers, Giammattei and the people, President-elect Bernardo Arévalo described the document supported by the ruling party and allied benches in early December last year as absurd, corrupt and ineffective.
It represents a direct betrayal of the values and needs of the people, emphasized the standard bearer of the Semilla movement, which tried to prevent the decision with more than 160 amendments without being analyzed.
He expressed that the lawmakers acted against the interests and well-being of the people of Guatemala, adding that it is their constitutional responsibility to protect and serve the nation, but they have chosen the path of corruption and He emphasized that they were elected for treason against their homeland.
Various organizations in the territory opposed the decision adopted on November 30 and recommended that Giammattei veto Guatemala's 2024 budget.
This left Arévalo's hands tied as he was plagued by lockdowns and had to constantly seek congressional approval.
The Guatemalan-American Chamber of Commerce, for example, stipulated the issuance, placement and negotiation of government bonds, the maturities of which, it noted, during the fiscal year required prior approval by the legislature.
A possible lack of consensus between the executive branch and Congress jeopardizes compliance with financial obligations and the country's risk rating, which has been maintained for decades, he emphasized.
Now the government, which would take office on January 14, would have a lower amount of more than eight billion quetzales (just over a billion dollars).
But analysts warned that this leaves open the possibility of lobbying the new legislature to achieve one or more expansions.
mem/znc