Tens of thousands of Guatemalan farmers, union members, workers and indigenous people took to the streets June 26 to protest the rising cost of living. Demonstrations occurred in many cities and municipalities across Guatemala.
Protesters in Guatemala City marched to the presidential building to deliver petitions and demand an increase in wages, more affordable food and other essentials and an end to farmer evictions.
Guatemala has a population of 13.3 million, with more than 70 percent of the population living in poverty. The price of basic foodstuffs such as corn and bread and the massive hike in fuel prices are forcing even more Guatemalans into extreme poverty.
Hector Nuila, deputy of Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity explained, “The point is, everything goes up, except for salaries, and the government policy is to maintain the interests of the employers untouched.”
