Guatemalan Exporters Warn Of Economic Losses From Blockades

The association of veterans and military members, including civil self-defense patrols and their widows, announced they will begin nationwide demonstrations starting at 6:00 AM today. The announcement was made by Emisoras Unidas in Guatemala City. The group intends to hold these protests across the country. Protesters in Guatemala announced measures that could affect at least 15 locations nationwide. The demonstrations aim to pressure Congress to approve initiative 6416. This initiative seeks to expand economic benefits for ex-military personnel and widows. Demonstrators advised the public to take alternate routes to avoid being stranded for several hours. Military veterans arrived at the Congress of the Republic in Guatemala City a few days ago. The group has threatened to initiate blockades if progress is not made on the second reading of a law to extend economic benefits. The Guatemalan Association of Exporters warned that vehicle passage obstructions are violating fundamental rights and directly impacting the national economy. The entity stated that in a complex economic context, every hour of blockade risks exports, jobs, and supplies worth 1,000 million pesos. The association aims to address these actions without affecting governability.