Clashes in Guatemala over delayed presidential inauguration (VIDEOS)

The inauguration of Guatemala’s president-elect, Bernardo Arevalo, was unexpectedly delayed by Congress. source:TROIB RTS

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Jan 15, 2024 - 18:00
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Clashes in Guatemala over delayed presidential inauguration (VIDEOS)

Bernardo Arevalo, who won the popular vote, has urged MPs to respect the results of the election

Supporters of President-elect Bernardo Arevalo clashed in Guatemala City with police on Sunday after his inauguration was unexpectedly delayed. 

Arevalo, a member of the leftist Semilla party who ran on an anti-corruption platform, received more than 60% of the run-off vote in August 2023.

His swearing-in ceremony was due to begin at 3pm local time on Sunday. The procedure was abruptly suspended by Congress, which is controlled by right-wing parties. 

People angered by the delaying of the inauguration broke through police barriers and threatened to storm the parliament building. Police responded by firing volleys of tear gas.