President Bernardo Arévalo defended the 2026 General Budget project through a message posted on his social networks, accompanied by Vice President Karin Herrera and members of his cabinet. Although the president avoided revealing specific figures, he insisted that the expenses plan is focused on guaranteeing free public services, strengthening the social area and continuing with the transformations promised by his government.
“The 2026 budget is a tool to build a more fair country,” said Arévalo. “A budget according to our reality and the changes that we must boost in all areas of public administration,” he added, explaining that this project seeks to consolidate a development model with equity.
During the pronouncement, the president stressed that his administration has pledged to make efficient use of the treasury. “Our Government promised to use each quetzal from the public budget to achieve more economic growth, more employment and more social welfare. And we are fulfilling it,” he said.
The presidential message, released in video format, was recorded at the presidential house and is part of the Executive’s strategy to promote the legislative debate around the income and expenses plan next year. Although multiple sectoral priorities were reiterated – such as health, education, infrastructure, migration and environment -, no amounts, quantifiable goals or variations with respect to the previous budgets were specified.
Arévalo stressed that, with the 2026 project, continuity is given to the vision of the current year. “With the 2025 budget we demonstrate that governing is to transform public resources into dignity and well -being for each Guatemalan family,” he said, while asking for support from Congress. “We want to add efforts, that this budget is a joint effort.”
The chief executive said that 45% of public investment will be oriented to the social area and, although he did not detail figures, he said that the budget contemplates actions to expand electrical coverage, advance in hospital and educational infrastructure, and continue supporting programs such as “hand in hand”, focused on reducing poverty in the 114 most affected municipalities in the country.
“This budget project is a fundamental piece to achieve this objective, since an economy that blooms is able to generate the resources that allow investing in the well -being of Guatemalan families,” he reiterated.
Among other priorities mentioned are the construction of technological institutes, the opening of municipal and departmental pharmacies with accessible prices, as well as the creation of a National Fund for Forest Recovery. At the international level, Arévalo said that the opening of new consulates in the United States and Mexico is projected to strengthen attention to Guatemalan migrants.
The President also highlighted the budget reinforcement for the Comptroller General of Accounts and the National Commission against Corruption, ensuring that “all public management must be carried out with the greatest efficiency, respect and care of public resources.”
At the close of the message, Arévalo called on the deputies to assume “a historical responsibility” and approve the project so that state institutions can fulfill their mandates. “We will advance together in this because we need the widest majority to realize the desires of our people,” he emphasized.
The budget project must be sent to Congress and be approved before November 30, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
We present a fair, social budget and for the working people.
Governing is to transform the public into well -being for each family. pic.twitter.com/vwacdswP4s
– Bernardo Arévalo (@Barevalodeleon) SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
Stay updated with the bulletin now. Key information at the time it happens. Subscribe here.