Our neighbour Álvaro Arzú, ('el canche') has come third in the World Mayor contest, behind the first citizens of Athens and Toronto − a feat which may entitle him to claim the title of Latin America's premier city boss. Mayor before he was Guatemala's President from '96-2000, Arzú stood again for his old job in 2004.
The task he faces in Guate may appear immense, but he's likely to have less of that running up the down escalator sensation than his former political ally President Oscar Berger.
75% of the norteamericanos' marching powder may pass through Guatemala, but 10% of all cocaine that arrives there stays: the narcos are keen to sow local usage by paying their contacts in Guatemala in drugs rather than cash.
High-level lawlessness became the norm under Berger's now fugitive predecessor Alfonso Portillo, and organised criminals have now not only penetrated almost every institution, they have set up a parallel state similar to the one that emerged in Colombia back in the '80s: traffickers offer loans, host parties and help with funeral expenses.
No comments:
Post a Comment