The Stream

Guatemalans demand president and vice president ‘resign now’

Revelation of bribery allegations triggers widespread protests.

Banging pots and blowing whistles, thousands in Guatemala flooded the streets on Saturday to demand the country’s president and vice president resign. 

The march came after state authorities and the UN International Commission Against Impunity uncovered a customs fraud and tax evasion scheme that allegedly involved high-ranking members of the government, including Vice President Roxana Baldetti’s former secretary, who is thought to be hiding in Honduras. President Otto Perez Morlina said he would not resign.

Under the banner, “Give Up Already”, protesters marched to the National Palace, demanding the country’s leaders step down. Many shared videos and images with #RenunciaYa (“resign now”) and #RenunciaBaldetti (“resign Baldetti”):