Guatemala: Statement by the Spokesperson on legal actions undermining democracy and the rule of law

The European Union (EU) welcomes the resolution of the Constitutional Court of 29 October reverting the ruling on the annulment of political party Movimiento Semilla, whilst confirming the validity and legality of the 2023 election results. Nevertheless, the EU sees with concern the continued attempts to undermine the democratic order and the rule of law in Guatemala, including through legal actions taken by the General Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Público) and other members of the judiciary against several government officials.

The EU has repeatedly voiced its concern over the persistent instrumentalisation of the justice system in Guatemala and the persecution or intimidation of public officials, democratically-elected authorities, indigenous leaders, civil society, media and judicial operators. 

We recall that the Council has imposed restrictive measures on eight individuals and one entity for actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala. These targeted sanctions are designed to hold accountable and affect those responsible for engaging in, providing support for, or benefitting from actions that undermine democracy, the rule of law or the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala.

The EU has been a consistent partner to all sectors of Guatemalan society invested in the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and inclusive and sustainable development, and it will remain so. We will continue to follow developments closely, particularly in view of the forthcoming appointments of judicial and electoral authorities in 2026, which represent a historic opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions.