On national television, President Bernardo Arévalo pointed out that the actions of the Attorney General and Head of the Public Ministry (MP), Consuelo Porras, are a threat to the country’s democracy.
In his message to the nation, Arévalo de León noted:
“The stability of this corrupt minority and the threat it represents to our democracy is possible because of the stability of Miss Consuelo Porras in the position of Attorney General of the Ministry of the Public.”
He pointed out that his persistence in office raises the fear of those who have seen how the tools of investigation and prosecution available are being used to hate and intimidate those who fight for transparency, for democracy, for justice and for freedom.
# Now The National Network of President Bernardo Arévalo de León, with a message about the future of Guatemala.https://t.co/517vXis1du
— CRNNoticias (@CRN_Noticias) May 6, 2024
Actions against democracy and protection of citizens
In his message, the president pointed out that the Attorney General in her actions led the attack against the country’s democracy.
This, judging the electoral process through false accusations, promotes baseless cases against elected officials and authorities who do not submit to corrupt networks, and seeks to question election results without have jurisdiction or command in the matter.
Arévalo pointed out that Guatemala elected a government committed to democracy and the fight against corruption. This was expressed in civil days that are now part of our history. In addition, he defended the election results and his democratic calling until he gained respect for the popular will freely expressed at the polls.
Presentation of the campaign to remove Porras
Bernardo Arévalo, as President democratically elected by the people of Guatemala, has decided to present a bill to the Legislative Body.
Using the power of the law initiative given to me by the Political Constitution, I have decided to present an initiative to the Congress of the Republic to reform the Organic Law of the Public Ministry.
It will pave the way for the attorney general to be accountable to the people of Guatemala and their representatives. Moreover, she is removed from her position, within the framework of the Law.
The reform proposed by the Government restores the parameters established in the Constitution of the Republic for the removal of the Attorney General and the Head of the Public Ministry:
Furthermore, it preserves its independence and allows it to operate effectively, while ensuring an effective accountability mechanism. This is so that a lawyer can never again abuse the power given to him by the people and the Constitution with impunity.
The CEO expressed that the fight against corruption is essential in his government, and that the resignation of the Attorney General is essential to continue on the path to transparency.
Likewise, it is a response to the measure that the plural and diverse population of Guatemala has urgently requested.
#urgent President Bernardo Arévalo announces on Cadena Nacional an initiative he will present to Congress to remove the Attorney General of the Public Ministry, Consuelo Porras. pic.twitter.com/nn1ZwQ1Omq
— CRNNoticias (@CRN_Noticias) May 6, 2024
Reformation
The issue of the MP’s organic law reform became relevant on January 23, at a meeting of block leaders in the Legislature.
The representative Sonia Gutiérrez Raguay proposed to restart the debate about the change of this law and therefore to consider other options to dismiss the head of the MP if his rule violates the constitutional order.
When the new proposals were raised, Mario Taracena was the president of the Congress in 2016. This was the last time the Organic Law of the MP was changed, by the Attorney General Thelma Aldana at the time.
Before that time, the President could dismiss the leader of the MP for a suitable reason.
The Constitution says that the prosecutor can be removed for just cause. However, since 2016 there has only been one reason and any extension remains within the powers of Congress. Consuelo Porras, who is now up for re-election, has a limited term of 2026. [Tomado de AGN]
