In this episode, former Guatemalan Vice Presidential candidate, diplomat, and conservative liberty warrior Betty Marroquin joins Jason Poblete again to discuss the recent appointments to Guatemala’s constitutional court - the five permanent and five alternative judges that will take office on April 14, 2021 - as well as why the U.S. and Guatemala should be concerned about working with corrupt officials when fighting corruption.
In prior podcasts, Jason and Betty have discussed how rule of law and respect of private property rights are vital to Guatemala's future and how both the United States and Guatemala must find ways to work together to defend individual fundamental rights (including the right to life), free markets, and the rule of law.
This battle has divided, and still does, the people of Guatemala. It remains one of the most perplexing policy challenges not only for Guatemala but the region. The GLA supports jurists committed to the rule of law, however, it opposes imposing solutions on sovereign nations such as untested and United Nations imposed experiments.
The International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) did the exact opposite of what it was supposed to do and it undermined Guatemalan sovereignty. We can and must do better. The process starts by trusting our partners in the region, seek out the best jurists committed to improving the situation, and, most importantly, being patient and impartial.
Finally, if you are a conservative in Guatemala and active in politics, you're targeted by the left with impunity. Betty has even had her Twitter account canceled over her work. There is a lot of work to do in Guatemala and the region.
Further Reading
Judicial Crisis: Guatemalan Constitutional Crisis Part 2, a podcast with Betty Marroquin
Guatemala at Crossroad with Appointments to Constitutional Court, Impunity Observer (Mar. 22, 2021).
The Odebrecht Scandal
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Why Not to Work with Corrupt People to Fight Corruption in Guatemala, with Betty Marroquín