The budget cuts that have Guatemalans ‘fed up’

Public frustration has been targeted at President Alejandro Giammattei for more than $13bn in cuts to education and health.

Demonstrators take part in a protest demanding the resignation of Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei, in Guatemala City on November 28, 2020 [Photo by Johan ORDONEZ/AFP]

A budget bill has pushed thousands of Guatemalans into the streets every Saturday since November to demand their government do better by its citizens. Public frustration has been targeted at President Alejandro Giammattei with more than $13bn in cuts to education and health, all while millions are struggling to recuperate after the devastation left by Hurricanes Eta and Iota. We are taking a deep dive into what is behind protester’s demands, and why corruption seems to be at the root of it.

In this episode:

Jose Zamora, Guatemalan journalist in Miami, Florida

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The team:

Ney Alvarez produced this episode with Negin Owliaei, Dina Kesbeh, Abigail Ony Nwaohuocha, Alexandra Locke, Priyanka Tilve, Amy Walters, and Malika Bilal.

Alex Roldan was the sound designer. Natalia Aldana is the engagement producer. Stacey Samuel is The Take’s executive producer and Graelyn Brashear is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

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Source: Al Jazeera

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