"The People Won": Guatemala Inaugurates Anti-Corruption President Bernardo Arévalo

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Bernardo Arévalo was sworn in as president of Guatemala Monday after conservative leaders attempted for months to disqualify Arévalo's landslide victory in August's runoff presidential election by claiming election fraud and persecuting his progressive Semilla party up until the final hours before his inauguration. Arévalo is the son of the country's first democratically elected president, who implemented a series of revolutionary reforms from 1945 to 1951 before a CIA-backed coup ousted his successor and ushered in decades of authoritarian rule. Many supporters see Arévalo's presidency as a new spring for Guatemala. We discuss the battle to defend his election, the pro-democracy protests in the country and what Guatemala can expect from his leadership with three guests: Andrea Villagrán, Guatemalan congressmember with Movimiento Semilla; Lucía Ixchíu, exiled K'iche Indigenous leader; and Frank La Rue, Guatemalan human rights activist, lawyer and a member of the election observation team.
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[@hassanshayegannik155]

After President Jacobo Arbenz was toppled by CIA in 1954, this is the first time that the people of Guatemala were able to speak out their voice. Thank you for broadcasting this heroic democratic event!

[@MrLorenzoism]

absolutely

[@hermano4242]

Very happy for Guatemala, that it has its future returned to it. Viva Guatemala!

[@cowsandpigsmaketheearthwar1471]

Congratulations, Guatemala May democracy, reign free

[@tuandilshan5767]

reign

[@rhondabogar1013]

Beautiful! A leader so rare in acknowledging the rights of indigenous peoples and children. Something the US may never do! JUSTICE MATTERS 💜

[@lauralafauve5520]

God protects Guatemala and it's fight for democracy.

[@titobeme]

Congratulations to the people of Guatemala.

[@ramatgan1]

It's really nice to there is a country out there that is enjoying some hope in this very difficult times. Watching from Somalia.

[@Emilae1985]

So wonderful to hear some good news in the world!

[@DonJorgeRM]

Un abrazo al pueblo hermano Guatemalteco desde Puerto Rico 🇬🇹🇵🇷❤️

[@shutupplease777]

Gracias hermano!!

[@vistazo9]

Thank you Amy ! Indeed it's a high level of hope in the Guatemala's community in need of deep economic and educational reforms.

[@GhadaKOTB-l7u]

Thanks for your efforts in spreading positive and honest awareness

[@kevinwilliams1768]

congratulations to the people of Guatemala.

[@r-rudx8288]

Thank you, we've been struggling for a long time with the past presidents who fell into corruption, I hope this one can bring something good on his journey

[@rocioaguilera3555]

I hope that the CIA doesn't kill him😢

[@paulheydarian1281]

The Yanks will find a way. It's the American Way.😉

[@richardlambey9678]

The CIA that's what they do. Go into these poor countries and corrupt the government. Central, south America and Africa. America has their corrupt, lawless , autocratic footprint all over those sectors of the world. America preach democracy, but they don't like democracy in poor countries. Damn shame.

[@lauralafauve5520]

I'm with you.

[@maryhuckaby2239]

Naw, they're too busy making U.S. wars great again.

[@pensivelyrebelling]

My thoughts exactly. As long as they [ETA: “they” = the CIA] exist, no progressive leader in the world is truly safe. But I am so happy for the hope this gives to the people. I wish them well in bringing radical change.

[@Stinglikeabee2]

Great show, thank you for all that you do at democracy now.

[@highestgood5169]

Great news! Go Guatemala!

[@jennifermartin3570]

I live in Guatemala and have never felt this kind of hope and unity here before. It won’t be easy and change will not happen quickly but it is a very positive step forward

[@KeesHessels]

wishes of strength from Costa Rica

[@e.romero2504]

Colombia with the great Gustavo Petro and now Guatemala, yess, there is hope! Please don't forget to support Colombia, criminals want to knock him down.

[@MusehanaH]

Good luck Guatemala!

[@cowsandpigsmaketheearthwar1471]

Love you, Amy and democracy now

[@veronicavarela2041]

I pray this president keeps his word to the people ❤❤❤❤❤

[@carmencitaoliva1266]

❤thanks great program

[@RobinHerzig]

Viva Guatemala ✊

[@hectorvasquez8653]

Excellent because that means , good government less people have to flee the country.

[@sharlagardner]

Yeah, that's ONE of many good things..for Guatamalans..although the corrupt rich asses whom tried to suppress and stop his presidency will flood the US borders.

[@clumsydad7158]

Orgullo para el nuevo Guatemala

[@captaindrywall]

I am honored to be in your beautiful country during this event.

[@jonrosell6971]

This is great news. If America really wanted to solve the border crisis, it would invest in stabilizing South and Central America.

[@Hands2HealNow]

May your stance against the CIA CORRUPTION be spread and exposed to the entire world and all the rapists of rights and resources be subject to TRUTH, MERCY, and Equal Justice for all.

[@lillybarcelo5]

Hopefully he will be like Bukele and make a better country for his citizens. People deserve to have a country free of crime and where they can live prosperously. God bless Guatemala🙏

[@cowsandpigsmaketheearthwar1471]

I hope the CIA doesn’t kill him

[@curtrice6060]

I have just watched 3 Democracy Now segments. Nothing positive has happened in 70 years. 😢 I was 11 and lived 5 miles from the United Fruit executives residents, 35 miles south of Boston. I was a paperboy, read the paper and sat at the coffee counter and listened to the injustice being done and discussed by educated Bostonians, about the abuse of Central America, by United 🍉 Fruit.🤔🧐🤑👎🏼😔

[@georgettewolf6743]

Unlike NPR, the journalists at Democracy Now! correctly pronounced Arévalo’s name…

[@Zatzzo]

In a just world Amy Goodman would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

[@JorgePetraglia2009]

Zatzzo : I'm pretty sure that Amy wouldn't want to receive that "honor" while so many recognized criminals got it, Churchill among them.

[@mrs.lilianfetters1432]

Or Obama.

[@chrisbernard5153]

Congrats 👏 Guatemala. Well done 👍🏼

[@brandonleroux6059]

I know nothing of Guatemala other than that bit about united fruit. Ive never heard of the genocide there. Terrible.

[@thewing331]

I hope this gentleman has good protective services.🍀

[@whitemughal2]

Felicitaciones Presidente! Now please change Guatemala's vote in the UN to a "si" for a ceasefire in Gaza! Muchas gracias.

[@camilorivera6830]

I''m a removed guatemalan, I have not lived in Guatemala for many years, but I sincerely hope to eventually return to live in the Guatemala

[@patland1762]

Hopefully our country the United States will not aid in the overthrow of this democracy south of our border as we have done so many times in the past in the region. Imagine that, it took 42 years for Guatemala to regain it's democracy after we helped to end it's first one.

[@StateOfPurgatory]

Excellant

[@bladeEf33]

Now we want to have a better way to the country. New democracy!

[@scottaustin7237]

BUENA SUERTE GUATE!!!

[@websmink]

Congratulations to Guatemala

[@dannydenison6253]

Hey im curious, a true breakthrough in democracy is a huge win. But im also a socialist so naturally curious what his economic policies are? Or the type of posturing he has on this issue. I would ask "is he going to challenge the the powerful, to bring economic justice to all". Either way, tood to see the people get a win, and the support they have for them!

[@nsbd90now]

My understanding is he ran on anti-corruption, and that is why their corporate oligarchs were trying to delay his taking office. They were shocked that he won.

[@jo-annerichardson34]

He will make changes for the people. Especially the Indigenous peoples.

[@NonyaSmith]

They all say they're anti this, or anti that, but rarely ever are. We'll see.

[@fonce9965]

WOW! If only we could do the same thing in America, but Citizens United will GUARANTEE that NEVER HAPPENS!!! The CORPORATIONS WIN!!!

[@barretjames8320]

go go go bernardo u go

[@BlueHorizonPropertyManag-gs9ux]

Way to go Chapines. Thank you Democracy Now for covering this news.

[@adrianariaratnam5817]

Please do a bit on what's going on in Absolute Horror in Ecuador ; 5 prisons have been taken over by gangs, some prison guards executed (terrible vids on Telegram), with other gang members roaming the streets and attacking police and civilians, even a TV station. The govt has declared a State of War with 60 day emergency rule over the whole country and called in the Army!

[@suetrublu]

I am here in Ecuador and think you have a skewed view of the situation. It's true we had a stressful day last Tuesday. I feel safer now that the government has acted to bring the situation under control.

[@LizSalazar-p8d]

THANK YOU DEMOCRACY NOW FOR THIS EXCELLENT REPORT TO HELP THOSE OF US GUATEMALANS OUT OF THE COUNTRY, BUT VERY CONCERNED FOR CHANGES IN THE FUTURE FOR GUATEMALANS.❤

[@whygohome172]

Why do corrupt criminals always have a butt load of cash?

[@sharlagardner]

Really. You answer your own question.

[@whygohome172]

@@sharlagardner see definition of sarcasm!

[@CarlosRosales-cu6zy]

I,m very happy to see military’s online to represent a Guatemala y a los guatemaltecos

[@StateOfPurgatory]

Amy you are amazing I love you

[@cowsandpigsmaketheearthwar1471]

Well, who knew Guatemala has a industrial congressional military complex That ran an inverse totalitarian regime Gee Who has one of those?

[@Rhythmicons]

Breaking News: US initiates coup attempt against him. lol

[@johnlindblom1430]

I wouldn't be surprised after what we did in Chile.

[@Rhythmicons]

And Nicaragua, and Indonesia and Iran, and...@@johnlindblom1430

[@suetrublu]

Americans wonder why people are massing at the US border too. Let Central and South America alone Uncle Sam!

[@Rhythmicons]

They are seeking the American dream, only to find out it is only for white male Christians. @@suetrublu

[@Kamaleeon05]

Long live the Guatemalans democracy 🇬🇹

[@hove785]

I dt know the political climate of this country, but I am very happy for them and as an African I can relate, especially after reading some comments talking about the CIA putting in place some president some years ago, trust me as an African I can relate !

[@Pou1gie1]

It is interesting to think Lucia (from Guatemala) is exiled in the Basque Country, meanwhile so many Basque revolutionaries were/are exiled in South and Central America.

[@wild-radio7373]

🎉🎉🎉❤!

[@nesanesa9547]

Hope is the word for the world.. Congratulations to the people of GUATEMALA.....WHOOOHOOO

[@ASMcM274]

How the shady and corrupt old guard tried to pull off a coup under the noses of world leaders - the presence of those leaders, who had to endure a long uncomfortable nine hour wait, the people outside, protesting, these things did help tilt the balance - just - on the day.

[@mitchellkrouth5083]

Good news

[@brucegelman5582]

All the corruption will magically disappear now.

[@lcardona12]

Wishful thinking 🤔

[@josuemu1]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@camilorivera6830]

Still I wonder what ever happened to the suspension of the Semilla Party

[@LC-fe7be]

cue the cia and state dept coup machine...

[@ArleeStarr]

No doubt they're already on it from their base in Belize.

[@LC-fe7be]

But, didn't .. Amy and the white Guatemalan guy say "Biden supported the democratic transition" Liberals would never subvert and overthrow democracy.. right?/s@@ArleeStarr

[@noradahl6799]

❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹

[@bryanguevaragt265]

2024 I’m from Guatemala and Arévalo was a big mistake, He is worse than the other presidents👎👎👎👎

[@P.K.theOrdinaryCommenter]

I heard that Bernardo Arévalo wants to do business with China, meaning he will establish diplomatic relationship with Beijing and sever ties with Taipei.

[@MrJacobrabbit]

I am glad left is best

[@camilorivera6830]

Hay que entender que los corruptos en Guatemala no van a cesar. Hay corruptos dispuestos a hacer un golpe y posiblemente tengan suficiente fuerza

[@the-rookieJD]

What does Lucia Ixchíu mean by "Guatemala is a Jewish dictatorship"? I'm having a hard time understanding what she means by that. It basically sounds antisemitic to me but I want to give her the benefit of the doubt that she meant something else by it.

[@Tya-8542]

I was wondering the same….

[@tmnt10000]

I am going to have to do some research, however if this channel and it's listeners are happy, Guatemala must have voted for a socialist/communist leader.

[@ResortDog]

Hey! Until now Uncle Joe & them supported the status quo.

[@ej3281]

Sorry, did she say Guatemala is a Jewish dictatorship?

[@the-rookieJD]

Exactly what I heard too. Im trying to figure out what she meant by that.

[@ResistEvolve]

I like how the Guatemalans talk, haha.

[@AbrasiveJay]

Despite Sabotage.. why because you say so ? GTFO

[@ArleeStarr]

Why do you insist on showing people the finger you use to message your prostate, while your left hand engages in another "activity"?

[@user-uo8cd6de8d]

😂 Chicago getting what it voted for… enjoy!

[@cartoons981]

when politician say '' we the people'' it means country is fuc*ked . heading into disorder usually 🤣

[@thosethatcan]

Russians keep losing in ru...

[@magnumbuild607]

The most biased reporting on you tube.....

[@dawnoceanside7300]

Truth makes your Lil fella feel all shriveled up 🤭

[@nsbd90now]

All the fascists say so! As do all the Little Eichmanns in service of the oligarchs.

[@Hands2HealNow]

Please add your information to make truth mercy and all goodness known.

[@AbrasiveJay]

Disliked!

[@lafayettemoreira4423]

Fabled guatemalan bibles - to step back?

[@janethe417]

Sounds like how they did to Trump in America.

[@nsbd90now]

Trump is an awful person and only other awful people are attracted to him. Decent folk of good will are repulsed.

[@solarflares2547]

No one did anything to trump. He launched a legislative coup with fake electors and attempts to achieve false revisions to the verified vote counts. He had over 60 opportunities in court to make his case and presented no evidence of his lies about voter fraud, because there wasn’t any. Trump tried to steal the election and has broken countless laws, for which he is on trial now.

[@salvador9288]

😂😂😂

[@lcardona12]

You comparing oranges and apples

[@tmnt10000]

I going to have to do some research, however if this channel and listeners are happy, then the leader of Guatemala must be a communist/socialist.

[@lcardona12]

Do it, you are clueless. Communist/socialist. Do you at least know the definition of communism and socialism? Doesn’t sound like.

[@quranfakeaasmanikitabhai4096]

In a country ...where not a single person is a Muslim, where there is not a single mosque there is always peace and prosperity. 🙏🙏

[@nsbd90now]

Oh look. Here's part of the problem.

[@DEonaraR]

So? The problem in LATAM is always the US, not religion.

[@nsbd90now]

@@DEonaraR Well, to be fair, the Catholic Church has had quite the awful, oppressive, abusive and authoritarian presence through all of South America for centuries now.

[@quartermaster1976]

@@DEonaraR Difficult geography LATAM is older than the US they don't have our river/lake system, fertile farm land, access to water, access to both oceans, there are many reasons why they didn't develop

[@BT-qs7id]

Viva Guatemala 🇬🇹

[@ksabene]

Thank you so much Amy for your excellent coverage of Guatemala!

[@janedvinsson]

As said here in the interview...the world out there kind of know that this is the only way forward for the country, so I hope they will leave them be and support this new direction.

[@MrDXRamirez]

Wonderful :)

[@Emilio_Garcia]

I can't make it out, what does she say at 14:10 ?

[@peaceprevailonearth]

I wondered, too. It sounded like “Jewish” dictatorship. So, I looked into it. Apparently, the former president and his father had very close ties with Israel. The former president lived in Israel for 10 years and spoke Hebrew. The interview, I feel, would have done well to contextualize the comment rather than glossing over it and leaving us to wonder.

[@DEonaraR]

For people of LATAM, there is no need to contextualize, of course for english speaking people the channel should ought done it.

[@DEonaraR]

​​@@peaceprevailonearth. Exactly what she said!!! I wrote a long explaination, but got deleted by youtube, because I mentioned the Austrian painter and the Israeli.

[@xSolomon454x]

​@@peaceprevailonearth thanks for the context! Definitely an eyebrow raising comment

[@tuandilshan5767]

​@@peaceprevailonearth i too looked up what "jewish dictatorship" was alluded to... apparently in LATAM it appears to be a common concept, including in argentina besides guatemala. (best, from srilanka)

[@jonathanspigeler5452]

EEUU se quito por fin la espinita en el talón por la deuda pendiente con Guatemala, por haber frenado su desarrollo de manera indignante el siglo pasado en manos de la CIA.

[@gloriahines5756]

⭐ 💕

[@cowsandpigsmaketheearthwar1471]

PHILOSOPHY LOVE IS THE SOURCE -PaulTeich-©️10/31/2023 This poem is about talking to God about love Love is the source of all things You are the source of all things We can feel your love Can you feel ours? We can see examples of your power Can you see ours? Are ours destruction or planting flowers? How do you view us from your ivory tower? What keeps evil at Bay? Is it a spell and Apple and leaf of bay? Is it an old-fashioned ruler who thinks she is A Bey? Or is it the simple acts of simple people taking care of each other day by day? You have given us love to turn Earth into Eden You let us know we were without true gnosis with the Apple Adam had eaten Letting us know we get intrinsic worth from giving a rib and not from beating Please take away indifference, give us peace and make us care if everyone is eating Love is the source Whether it comes from you or me, love takes us to heaven on a winged horse May peace, love and poetry, save the world!!! Philosophy You can’t fool all the people all the time -PaulTeich-©️10/31/2023 Get up stand up Stand up for your rights Get up stand up Please let’s end the fight We’re sick and tired of the ha-ting Let’s get together so we can sing We are one people we come from one place There’s no difference between us there is no race Get up stand up stand up for your rights Get up stand up Please, let’s end the fight He wants her water She wants his land Until they get together And put rings on their hands Get up stand up Stand up for your rights Get up stand up Please let’s end the fight Peace is free War costs too much We can’t see the people we bomb to bleed We all crave human touch Get up stand up Stand up for your rights Get up stand up It’s time to end the fight-