Guatemala: Congreso rechaza el estado de calamidad decretado por presidente para combatir incendios

The Congress of Guatemala dealt a setback to the government of President Bernardo Árevalo on Thursday, October 20, 2022, by rejecting a decree of public calamity declared by the president on Wednesday to address the forest fires that have raised concerns due to the poor air quality in three departments of the country.

The forest fires in Guatemala began in late September 2022 and have since spread across large areas, primarily in the departments of El Quiché, El Progreso, and Alta Verapaz. The fires have led to significant smoke emissions, causing a thick haze that has blanketed major cities, including Guatemala City, the capital, and Quetzaltenango, the second-largest city.

The poor air quality has resulted in health concerns for the population, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. The situation has prompted the authorities to issue health warnings and recommendations, urging the population to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities.

In response to the crisis, President Árevalo declared a state of public calamity on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, to mobilize resources and coordinate efforts to combat the fires and mitigate their impact on the population. However, the Congress of Guatemala, which has the power to approve or reject such decrees, rejected the decree on Thursday, citing concerns over the potential misuse of funds and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.

The rejection of the decree has left the government without the legal framework to mobilize additional resources and coordinate efforts to combat the fires effectively. The Congress has called on the government to provide a detailed plan on how it intends to address the crisis and ensure the protection of the population's health and safety, as well as the preservation of the affected forests and ecosystems.

The forest fires in Guatemala are not an isolated incident, as they have become a recurring problem in the country, particularly during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. The causes of the fires are diverse, including agricultural practices, logging, and arson, among others. The government and civil society organizations have called for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the problem and prevent future occurrences.

In the meantime, the population in the affected areas continues to suffer from the health consequences of the poor air quality, and the fires continue to spread, threatening more forests and communities. The situation remains a significant challenge for the government and the people of Guatemala, and the international community has expressed its solidarity and support in the face of this crisis.