Guatemala’s new President Bernardo Arévalo was sworn in after a nine-hour delay in his inauguration. The delay occurred as the opposition-controlled Congress debated the admission of incoming legislators, who had to be sworn in before President Arévalo. The delay ended after the new lawmakers were finally sworn in and elected a congressional board to formally invest the president.
In his inauguration speech, Arévalo emphasized the significance of the day and the strength of Guatemala’s democracy. He also spoke about the fight against authoritarianism and the country’s resilience in the face of political challenges.
The delay was so long that several world leaders had to leave before the inauguration ceremony. Despite this, a joint statement was issued by the attending presidents, chancellors, and high-level officials, urging Congress to comply with the law and proceed with Arévalo’s swearing-in. The statement was supported by the European Union and read by the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS).
Arévalo, who previously indicated that he was on his way to the cultural center where the Congress would continue with the solemn session, received support from the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, who had to leave for a previously established agenda but expressed his continued support for Arévalo.
Despite the delays and challenges, Arévalo will now serve as President of Guatemala for the next four years.