He US government announced this Wednesday that it has imposed sanctions against former President of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei and his three children, Marcela, Estefano and Alejandro, limiting them entry into the United Statesfor his participation in corruption significant.”

“The State Department has reliable information indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes in exchange for the performance of his public functions during his tenure as President of Guatemala (2020-2024), actions that undermined the rule of law and government transparency,” the statement said.

Washington stressed that “he has made clear that he stands with Guatemalans who are seeking accountability for corrupt actors,” noting that over the past three years it has introduced sanctions on nearly 400 Guatemalansincluding government officials, representatives of the private sector and members of their families “for engaging in corrupt activities or undermining democracy” in the country.

“Corruption weakens the rule of law and democratic institutions, allows impunityfeed her illegal migrationimpedes economic prosperity and limits the ability of governments to effectively respond to the needs of their people,” a State Department spokesman explained. Matthew Miller.

You might be interested > Guatemala: call of 48 cantons and 105 days of protest

Thus, he indicated that the United States “remains committed” increase transparency and governance in Guatemala and throughout the Western Hemisphere, and advocates for “using all available tools” to increase accountability “for those who undermine it.”

A few hours before Treasury Department The United States announced the addition to its sanctions list of the former Minister of Energy and Mining of Guatemala during his mandate, Alejandro Giammattei. Alberto Pimentelfor participating in “numerous” corruption schemes related to public concessions.

Although in mid-December 2023 the US government reported visa restrictions almost 300 Guatemalans, including more than a hundred congressmenin order to guarantee “respect for the will of the people” and against “anti-democratic actions of the Guatemalan State Ministry and other malicious actors”

Giammattei left his post January 14 at the inauguration of the current president, Bernardo Arevalowhose absorption was influenced by attempts boycott of the political and judicial class which on the same day led to a delay of the ceremony for several hours due to the suspension of parliamentarians of the ruling party, Seed movementa decision that was eventually reversed, although it caused international concern.

(Europe Press)