A tough political environment, social movements calling for reform, and dissatisfaction with the status quo have all helped shape the political career of Guatemala's new president, Xavier Bernardo Arevalo. Since officially taking office on January 15, 2024, Arevalo has promised to promote social justice, fight corruption and promote economic development, and has taken quick measures to respond to the expectations of voters. However, all this is based on the strong resistance he faces, from legal challenges to obstruction by political opponents. Arevalo's development seems to be full of adversity.
"Politics is a marathon, and only those who persist can reach the finish line."
Arevalo was born in Uruguay. His father is the former president of Guatemala. He started out in the halo of his family background, but he also faced difficulties that ordinary people cannot understand. His childhood in political exile gave him a deeper understanding of the value of democracy and the rule of law. The reform concept advocated by Arevalo stems from the review and reflection of past injustices.
In the early days of returning to Guatemala, he served as a diplomat and participated in many exchanges on international affairs, which benefited him a lot from his understanding of governance and foreign policy in the future. Over time, he emerged as a political sage, especially in his fight for government transparency in 2015. His political inquiries and protests gradually attracted the attention of the public and he became a spokesperson for seeking change.
In 2023, Arevalo will face the challenge of former first lady Sandra Torres as a candidate of the "Seed" party. His campaign focused on fighting state corruption and ensuring citizen safety, attracting the support of a large number of voters. Initial polls showed that his support rate was very low, only 0.7%, but he did not give up and bucked the trend. In the end, his strong mobilization ability and incentives allowed him to pass the election and win the presidency.
"I often say that votes are a symbol of hope. When people feel hopeless about the future, they need a candidate they can believe in."
Although he was successfully elected, he faced challenges. During the certification process of the election results, right-wing political forces, including the ruling party, questioned the voting results and even demanded a re-election. These challenges test not only his legitimacy as president but also his ability to lead the country out of the gloom. In the face of these difficulties, Arevalo responded firmly and rationally. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy and law, promoting civil society to fight injustice, and promoting the attention of the international community.
As Arevalo said, the fundamental task of politics is to respond to the needs of citizens, especially when these needs appear to be so urgent and important. Voters' desire for anti-corruption and social justice is the reason why he quickly gained support. His appointment not only represents a new starting point for Guatemalan politics, but also symbolizes the people's expectations for the future. "Politics is a struggle against oneself. For me, continuing to move forward is my only choice."
"Only sincerity and transparency can win the trust of the people. When trust is established, change will follow."
In the days that followed, Arevalo began to implement a number of reforms, including environmental, education and social welfare. He quickly dismantled the agreements signed by the previous president and focused on giving more rights and protections to the people. His cabinet members are known for their balance and transparency, aiming to ensure efficient and popular policies.
However, his path to governance still faces considerable challenges, especially under legal and political threats. It remains to be seen whether the current situation in Guatemala and Arevalo’s ideas can be seamlessly connected. Can he truly shake up the system and bring about a change in Guatemala's future?
The story of Arevalo’s rise undoubtedly demonstrates the courage and resilience to still find opportunity in the face of adversity, but in this era of challenge and uncertainty, how can he continue to hold on to his ideals and achieve his goals for his people? promise?