06 December 2024

A busy session in Guatemala’s Congress saw members pass the 2025 budget of Q148.83bn (US$19.27bn), a 7% increase on the previous year’s. 148 of the 160 deputies voted in favour of the budget which saw increases to security, health and care for the elderly. However, critics pointed to poor budget execution and the fact most of it goes on operating expenses. Legal challenges have been presented against the salary increase to members of Congress. A police law which will see officers not be jailed for using their weapon in the course of duties and amendments to the organised crime law that may lift legal proceedings against the official party Semilla were also passed.

The full publication is available internationally on a subscription-only basis. For more information on subscriptions visit https://www.caribbean-council.org/subscriptions/