New scandals threaten Guatemala’s president

Subject

Mounting corruption pressures.

Significance

The Supreme Court on October 11 dismissed a complaint against President Jimmy Morales, regarding undeclared monthly payments he was receiving from the military. The move comes in a month that has seen corruption investigations launched into Guatemala City Mayor and former President Alvaro Arzu (1996-2000), and the Foreign Ministry refuse a visa to the head of the UN-led International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), Ivan Velazquez -- an individual Morales has previously attempted to expel from the country.

Impacts

• Efforts to renegotiate the CICIG’s mandate could lead to pointed rebuke by the UN.
• Perceived efforts to hinder investigations could weigh on international aid, some of which is conditional on anti-corruption progress.
• Attorney General Thelma Aldana will step down in May, removing one of CICIG’s strongest allies and undermining its effectiveness.