Guatemala's President Unveils Plan to Combat Soaring Crime Rates

Guatemala's President Arévalo Tackles Rising Crime with Ministry Restructuring Guatemala City, June 2, 2025 – President Bernardo Arévalo addressed the recent surge in homicides and violent crime in Guatemala, announcing a major restructuring of the Ministry of Governance. The move comes in response to growing public concern over escalating violence. "In recent weeks, we've seen a surge in homicide rates and violent acts, and we're not ignoring it," President Arévalo stated during a press conference. The government recognizes the seriousness of the situation and is taking proactive steps to address the root causes of this violence. The restructuring includes the appointments of new officials, such as the new Vice Minister of Security, José Costillo, and the new director of the Penitentiary System, Rudin Rodil. These appointments aim to improve the effectiveness of the government's response to crime. The government is committed to a long-term strategy for sustained improvements in public safety. The changes represent the beginning of a series of reviews and evaluations of teams within the Ministry of Governance. The goal is to provide an effective response to the current challenges. The President emphasized the human cost of the violence, stating that "security is not just a number; it has a human perspective, a family perspective." This underscores the government's commitment to addressing the human impact of crime and ensuring the safety of Guatemalan families. The government's actions offer hope for a safer future for Guatemala. The comprehensive approach to tackling the root causes of violence and improving the Ministry of Governance demonstrates a commitment to long-term solutions.