:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/GZMDWZNDC7FFKH6AAM6W53PXGY.jpg "Step by step: how a coup d’état was avoided in Guatemala")
The United States sanctioned former Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammattei for corruption
Only 48 hours after Alejandro Giammattei ceased to be president of Guatemala, the State Department sanctioned him, restricting him and his children from entering the United States for having “credible information” about “bribes” that he received. This move comes as a culmination of political and diplomatic actions carried out by the Joe Biden administration to help Bernardo Arévalo take over the government, contrary to the attempts of some local actors to prevent it.
During his last hours in government, Giammattei faced harsh news from the north: his son Alejandro was deported from Miami the same day he stopped being president. According to the Republican senator from Utah, Mike Lee, who is close to the former president, Giammattei Jr. tried to enter the United States and was detained.
The US has played a crucial role in Guatemala’s politics, having a significant impact on the country due to being its main trading partner and home to over 3 million Guatemalans. The Biden administration’s efforts to support the transition of power in Guatemala were key to its success.
The international community’s firm support from the US, especially through sanctions against anti-democratic actors, was essential for Arévalo to assume the presidency despite the destabilizing attempts. The Biden administration is committed to promoting democracy and good governance by supporting countries to address the root causes of migration, including issues like corruption.