Reuters
By Sofia Menchu
January 14, 2024
GUATEMALA CITY, Jan 14 (Reuters) – Tensions were rising on Sunday as the inauguration of Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Arevalo was delayed without explanation and delegations for countries present for the event and a U.S. official called for the process to be respected.
Demonstrators pushed through barricades and were threatening to storm Guatemala’s Congress after the unexplained delay to first induct Congressional lawmakers Sunday morning. By the time Arevalo’s planned inauguration was due to begin at 3 p.m. local time, the first session still had not started.
The presence of police with riot gear was growing on the streets.