Representatives Norma Torres, Delia Ramirez & Joaquin Castro Call for the Protection of Democracy in Guatemala Amidst Democratic Backsliding
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) held a press conference today in support of the rule of law and democracy in Guatemala. The press conference followed Congresswoman Torres & Ramirez’s Congressional delegation to Guatemala last week and the Guatemala Attorney General’s office moving to nullify the fair election of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo. The Members of Congress – joined by civil society organizations and Guatemalans forced to flee the country – underscored the importance of the United States’ support for Guatemala amid escalating attacks on its democracy. The speakers called for a peaceful transition of power to the rightfully elected President-elect Arévalo.
“I reject the Giammatei regime’s blatantly anti-democratic actions and call for the peaceful transfer of power – it’s not too late for them to change course. But if high-ranking officials in the Guatemalan government are going to ignore and act against the interests of the Guatemalan people, the United States should not be rewarding those officials with our taxpayer dollars,” said Congresswoman Torres, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, chair of the bipartisan Central America Caucus, and the only Member of Congress to be born in Central America.
“As a member of the U.S Congress and a daughter of immigrants, I recognize the importance of strengthening the relationship of both countries,” said Congresswoman Ramirez, the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants. “Our countries must work together to find strong solutions to challenges that are causing the pain for families that are driven to migration.”
“If President-elect Arévalo is inaugurated in January, then Guatemala is truly a democracy. If he is not, Guatemala is not truly a democracy,” said Congressman Castro, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. “President-elect Arévalo was elected with more than 60% of the vote in a valid landslide election that demonstrated the popular enthusiasm for his message of progress, opportunity and hope for the future of Guatemala. I urge Guatemala’s ruling party to respect the will of the voters and ensure the peaceful transfer of power in their country.”
Click here to watch the press conference.
Congresswoman Torres’ remarks as prepared can be found here.