Just over a year after Bernardo Arévalo’s tense but ultimately successful inauguration as president of Guatemala, his administration faces a complex mix of progress and mounting challenges. Elected on an anti-corruption platform, Arévalo has delivered key reforms and economic growth—but his popularity is waning, and governability remains uncertain amid fierce opposition. In this episode, part of AQ’s special report on Guatemala, we dive into the country’s political, social, and economic landscape. Guests Claudia Méndez Arriaza, a veteran investigative journalist, and Juan Carlos Zapata of FUNDESA, join us to discuss political tensions, public expectations and development challenges.
Subscribe to the Americas Quarterly Podcast on Apple, Spotify and other platforms
Guest:
Claudia Méndez Arriaza is the editorial director of ConCriterio and has been an investigative reporter in Guatemala for over 20 years
Juan Carlos Zapata is the director of the Foundation for the Development of Guatemala (FUNDESA)
Host:
Brian Winter is the editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly
If you’d like to know more:
AQ’s special report on Guatemala
The President Who Almost Wasn’t by José Enrique Arrioja
Guatemala by the Numbers by Emilie Sweigart
Arévalo Wants to Change Guatemala. Some Say He’s Moving Too Slowly. by Dina Fernández
AQ Podcast: Guatemalan Democracy on the Brink, and the U.S. Response
