Guatemalan Analyst Criticizes CIV's Slow Progress and Ministerial Instability

GUATEMALA CITY – Analyst José Carlos Ortega has voiced concerns regarding the current state and performance of Guatemala's Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing (CIV). In a recent broadcast, Ortega stated, "Con esta misma legislación e instituciones, en algún momento, el CIV funcionaba mejor" ("With this same legislation and institutions, at some point, the CIV functioned better"). Ortega highlighted a troubling trend of ministerial instability within the CIV, noting that the ministry has seen four different ministers during the current administration. He specifically referenced the tenure of former minister Yasmín de la Vega, who, according to Ortega, was engaged in analytical and planning work but was subsequently replaced. The analyst then turned his attention to the current minister, Colonel Díaz Bobadilla, acknowledging that while his work might not be the "worst," it is characterized by extreme slowness, which Ortega termed "tortuguismo." He further criticized the lack of decisive action, citing an instance where 63 maintenance events were reportedly voted down, even by the minister himself after his appointment. Ortega emphasized that the capacity and will exist to improve the ministry's performance, suggesting that effective leadership and appropriate personnel are crucial for progress in vital infrastructure development.