In a combative, pre-recorded address that was televised to the nation, an animated Perez said he had received no money from the customs racket to which investigators have linked him, and stressed that his conscience “was clear”. Guatemalans have been taking to the streets around the country demanding Perez Molina’s resignation, justice and systemic change on a weekly basis since April. “With the same strength and character with which I reject my involvement, I can’t fail to recognize that this has taken place in my government, and by officials I appointed”.
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Multiple government ministers and allies to the president, who are not connected to the scandal, resigned recently in attempts to distance themselves from a government that has lost credibility.
The corruption allegations have cast a shadow over a $59 billion economy that serves as a key gateway between Latin America and the U.S. – for goods, immigrants and illegal drugs.
The CICIG’s success has prompted calls for the creation of similar bodies in neighboring countries grappling with organized crime and drug violence, such as Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico.
Over the weekend, most of Pérez Molina’s Cabinet stepped down.
Anti-corruption protesters have held daily demonstrations in the capital calling for the president to step down. Even business chambers normally supporting Perez Molina asked him to resign. They’ve alleged that he and the vice president accepted bribes in exchange for allowing companies to skirt import taxes.
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“We have found the very regrettable participation of the president of the republic and Mrs Roxana Baldetti at every level of the organization” behind the corruption, said Ivan Velasquez of the UN commission. “The system has collapsed and it’s time to make profound changes”.
