[The approval by Congress of a budget of cuts, at 5.30 am on 17 November, has unleashed a wave of protests in the Central American country. A section of the ruling class opposes the budget as it increases the country’s indebtedness. The vice-president broke ranks with president Giammattei and asked him not to ratify the budget. 

On the 16th of May, more than 60,000 Guatemalan people took to the streets, occupying Constitution Square. On the 20th, thousands more returned to continue the protests. These protests by workers, youth and social organizations represent the most important protests since the signing of the Peace Accords of ‘96.

On 4th October Guatemalan government forces attacked a demonstration of Guatemalan indigenous people killing 8 demonstrators. Thousands of protesters had blocked sections of the Pan American Highway to protest against rises in electricity prices. Although the responsible soldiers have been arrested, the regime stated that the whole affair was not a big deal. Once again we are provided with evidence of the inhuman face of capitalism and the racist and death squad character of the rightwing Guatemalan regime.