Central America

Arévalo is accredited as president-elect of Guatemala

Photo: @crfger

September 6 |

The president-elect of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, announced this Tuesday that the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) gave him the credential that confirms him as the head of state for the period 2024-2028, starting next January 14.

“Today we have received the credentials that accredit us as president and vice president for the period 2024-2028. I reiterate my gratitude for the trust, in the hope of a better future,” Arévalo published on the social network X.

The president of the TSE, Irma Palencia, handed the accreditation to Arévalo, winner of the ballot last August 20. On the other hand, magistrate Ranulfo Rojas accredited Karin Herrera as future vice-president.

The transition of power began last Monday at the Executive headquarters, where the outgoing governor Alejandro Giammatei received Arévalo, in a private ceremony in which also participated Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States.

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After the meeting, Arevalo advocated for the gradual disappearance of what he considered an “attempt to subvert the constitutional order and mock the popular will”, in reference to the actions promoted by the Public Ministry against the Seed Movement, led by the elected president, winner of the presidential elections.

Arevalo affirmed last September 1 that a group of corrupt politicians and officials tried to prevent the inauguration of the elected authorities, which he described as a coup d’état in progress.

The future governor won the second round of the elections with a lead of close to one million votes over his rival, former first lady Sandra Torres, of the National Unity of Hope party.

Related Topics:Central America Guatemala

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Central America

Panama grants Martinelli 72-hour extension to travel to Nicaragua

On Monday (March 31, 2025), Panama extended the safe-conduct pass for former President Ricardo Martinelli by three more days to allow him to travel to Nicaragua, after the Central American country refused to receive him due to concerns over an alleged Interpol arrest warrant.

“The National Government has decided to extend the validity of the safe-conduct pass for an additional seventy-two (72) hours, until the end of Thursday, April 3, 2025,” the Panamanian Foreign Ministry stated in a communiqué. The original permit was set to expire Monday at midnight (05:00 GMT on Tuesday).

The Foreign Ministry explained that regarding the ‘humanitarian asylum’ granted to Martinelli last Thursday, which was set to expire Monday at midnight, the Nicaraguan government requested clarifications about an apparent Interpol alert, which had already been dismissed as inadmissible.

Additionally, the Panamanian Supreme Court of Justice, as the highest authority of the Judicial Branch, stated on Monday that it had “no objections” to granting asylum and a safe-conduct to Martinelli, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch.

Central America

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary urges Mexico to strengthen Guatemala border

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed on Monday that during last week’s meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, she urged Mexico to reinforce its border with Guatemala and share biometric datawith U.S. authorities.

“I gave her a list of things that President Trump would love to see. And it was exceptional. It was supposed to be a half-hour meeting, but we talked for nearly two hours. It was very productive,” Noem said in an interview with Fox News.

The Homeland Security Secretary requested that Sheinbaum, who has already deployed 10,000 National Guard troopsalong Mexico’s northern border with the U.S., also secure Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala.

Noem added that she also asked the Mexican president to share biometric data with the U.S., to which Sheinbaum responded that she was “willing to discuss it,” although she acknowledged that it could be a controversial issue in her country.

Central America

Panama police clarifies that Interpol alert for Martinelli is still pending

Panama’s National Police clarified on Sunday that an Interpol alert request for former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014) is still under review and has yet to be confirmed. Martinelli was granted a safe-conduct pass last Thursday to leave the Nicaraguan embassy, where he has been seeking asylum since February 2024 after being convicted of corruption.

“The National Police clarifies that there is currently an active process for an Interpol alert, requested by Judge Baloisa Marquínez, against former President Ricardo Martinelli. This request must be analyzed by Interpol’s General Secretariat (headquartered in France) for approval or rejection. If approved, it will be notified to member countries,” the police stated in a press release sent to EFE.

According to the statement, “at the moment, it remains an ongoing procedure, and former President Martinelli does not have a confirmed alert.”

The announcement came hours after National Police Director Jaime Fernández had told the press that an “Interpol alert” for Martinelli had been received on Friday.