The assumption of power by Bernardo Arévalo in Guatemala

The Steering Committee of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences congratulates and welcomes the arrival of Dr. Bernardo Arévalo and Dr. Karin Herrera to the highest office in Guatemala. Despite countless attempts to prevent the transition of government, even on the day it was taking place, the energy and support of all democratic and progressive sectors of the nation prevailed over those who, from their positions of power, sought and continue to seek to undermine the fight against colonization, exclusion, and corruption—practices and actions they have used to deprive Guatemalans of their basic and inalienable rights.

The path toward a just and equitable society in Guatemala will be difficult, but not impossible. The path is beginning to take shape, and there will be periods in which we must face new challenges to achieve our noble goals. We encourage all sectors and stakeholders to join the dialogue and the building of social pacts that the new government has proposed in order to strengthen strategies that guarantee the economic, social, and cultural development of all, especially for those sectors that have been traditionally excluded and marginalized.

For many years, the CLACSO Centers of Guatemala have been spokespeople for the country's historical and current problems. Through their academic and social research work, they have contributed to unraveling adverse realities and have strengthened pathways for understanding and resolving multiple conflicts. For this reason, we urge them to continue these tasks and that the new political space allows them to strengthen themselves as entities that generate analysis and critical thinking.

CLACSO Steering Committee
January 2024