GUATEMALA: Public service cuts reversed
One of 2020’s biggest protests against public service cutbacks came in Guatemala in November, when thousands took to the streets in response to congressional approval of a budget that saw cuts to education and healthcare spending, a staggering political response to a pandemic. The budget was approved with little transparency and minimal debate, and seemed clearly to signal an approach to post-pandemic recovery that prioritised private sector development, with all the associated opportunities for high-level corruption, rather than social welfare. With Guatemala already shocked by two hurricanes that destroyed tens of thousands of homes and much agricultural land, it seemed like the state was abandoning people.
Many people who did not belong to any Indigenous, student or women’s organisation or collective went out on their own, moved by the feeling of being fed up. Thus, the November protests were a reflection of both social organisation and citizen autonomy.
Sandra Morán Reyes
