With the face-to-face evaluation of the attorney general candidates, Julio César Rivera Clavería and Néctor Wilebaldo de León Ramírez, the interview phase concluded this Thursday, April 30, by President Bernardo Arévalo, who is responsible for appointing the new head of the Public Ministry (MP), replacing Consuelo Porras Argueta.
During the last three days, Arévalo interviewed lawyers Julio César Rivera Clavería, Néctor Guilebaldo de León, Beyla Estrada Barrientos, Gabriel Estuardo García Luna, Carlos Alberto García Alvarado and César Augusto Ávila Aparicio, who were selected by the nomination commission to join the list that is still under evaluation by the president.
“I have concluded the interview process with the candidates for attorney general and head of the Public Ministry: Julio César Rivera Clavería and Néctor Guilebardo de León Ramírez. With this, we give way to the next stage of the process, waiting for the deadlines established by law for the presentation of challenges to be met,” the president wrote in his X account.
Rivera Clavería described his interview with Arévalo as “very positive,” and highlighted that the central topic of the meeting was his work plan at the head of the Public Ministry.
The candidate expressed his gratitude for the invitation, and noted that the president showed genuine interest in seeing the proposed changes implemented effectively for the benefit of the country.
The candidate reiterated that the focus of the interview was directly related to his proposal to strengthen the institution, and stressed that this is one of the main areas of his campaign.
“It was a magnificent interview with the president about the work plan. I can tell you that it is a very positive interview, I appreciate the president’s invitation because it seemed to me that he is interested in the changes in the Public Ministry occurring for the benefit of the country,” said Rivera Clavería when leaving the interview at the National Palace of Culture.
Separately, De León pointed out that during the interview he presented the main axes of his work plan, and highlighted seven key areas, including training within the institution and the modification of schedules, as part of his strategy to improve the functioning of the Public Ministry.
The candidate expressed his confidence in the president’s decision, and stressed that the election of the attorney general is a regulated function, which gives confidence that a decision will be made based on merit.
Regarding the challenges of the Public Ministry in this new management, he highlighted that his main objective is to continually improve: “Today we have to do things better than yesterday,” he said.
He also expressed his opinion on the importance of maintaining constant communication between the Government and the Public Ministry, and assured that the separation between the two is key to good institutional functioning.
Finally, the candidate reiterated his willingness to continue with the work presented and appreciated the opportunity to present his vision.
Consuelo Porras’ mandate in the Public Ministry will end on May 16, after two consecutive terms – and a failed attempt to repeat for a third time – marked by local and international complaints of corruption.
Porras is sanctioned by the US and the European Union, under accusations of corruption and attempting to undermine Guatemala’s democracy.
*Stay up to date with the Now newsletter. Key information at the moment it happens. Subscribe here.
I have concluded the interview process with the candidates for Attorney General and Head of the Public Ministry:
* Julio César Rivera Clavería
* Néctor Guilebardo de León Ramírez.With this, we give way to the next stage of the process, waiting for the deadlines to be met… pic.twitter.com/kwOIFmDsEu
— Bernardo Arévalo (@BArevalodeLeon) May 1, 2026
*Stay up to date with the Now newsletter. Key information at the moment it happens. Subscribe here.