He salary increase That the deputies were approved, which at first seemed to go unnoticed, soon became a social debate and now has also visible an internal conflict between legislators.
The division within the Congress has become more evident with the statement of the president of Congress, Nery Ramos, who accused other deputies of being “Opportunistic hypocrites” for changing posture about the salary increase.
The increase, approved in a context of secrecy and without a previous discussion with citizens, deepened the distrust of the Guatemalans towards their representatives.
The measure not only unleashed a flood of external criticism. As the days advanced, but legal actions were presented to challenge the decision and civil society delivered more than 5,000 signatures in rejection to the measure.
At the same time, tensions within Congress increased, with Ramos facing other deputies that sought to distance themselves from the controversy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc-yh2_i758
1. The road to salary increase: November 27, 2024
The morning of November 27, 2024 was key to the future of Congress.
While The Guatemalans sleptthe deputies approved the Congress budget, which included a significant salary increase.
Through a privileged motion, 87 legislators approved that their salary was matched that of appeal magistratesof the legislative agency, with a minimum of Q45 thousand per month.
This decision initially unnoticed, but soon unleashed a wave of criticism.
The Guatemalans began to question, especially in social networks, their representatives by a measure that, in their opinion, further increased distrust of Congress.
#Now | At midnight, deputies approve an amendment in their budget to increase their salary and not win less than a room magistrate, that is, more than Q45 thousand per month. pic.twitter.com/q2old2Mir
– Henry Montenegro (@hmontenegro_GTV) November 27, 2024
2. First legal action: November 29
After the announcement, the reactions did not wait.
Civil society, represented by the organization Citizen Actionpresented an amparo against the increase. A minority bench also activated.
3. Board of Directors approves it: February 4, 2025
Despite criticism, on February 4, in the midst of a national tragedy by a bus accident left 54 deadrumors are known that the Board of Directors of the Congress had approved the salary increase.
However, the decision was not immediately revealed to the public.
Days later, the president of the Congress explained that the internal differences between blocks Legislative complicated agreements on this issue.
4. Act 10-2025: February 24
February 24, Free press confirmed that the Board of Directors of the Congress had approved the increase through the Act 10-2025which had to enter into force as of February 1.
The lack of transparency in the process generated more criticism, and some deputies argued that the decision should be subjected to the vote of the Plenary, although no concrete action was presented.
Also read: Act 10-2025 confirms the salary increase for deputies
5. Deputies receive payment: February 28
The deputies They receive their first salary with the increase approved.
The February form revealed that the base salary went from Q9 thousand 550 to Q46 thousand 700 per month.
This increase, added to additional payments for diets and other assignments, results in total income from up to Q66 thousand 300 For ordinary deputies and even Q81 thousand 300 For the members of the Board of Directors.
The president of Congress, Nery Ramos, perceives a salary greater than Q97 thousand.
6. CC intervenes: March 11
Almost three months later, the Constitutional Court (CC) had not yet made a decision on the amparo filed by Citizen Action.
However, March 11 The Court rejected it.
7. New legal action: March 13
After the refusal of the first amparo, the opponents of the increase began to challenge the numbered active 21-2025, which formalized the salary increase. This second legal process is still ongoing.
8. Citizen rejection: March 24
The social pressure continued to grow and more than 5,000 signatures were delivered to Congress for the National Civic Movement (MCN), with the requirement of canceling the salary increase.
Previously, in social networks the discontent between the Guatemalans had been evidenced.
9. Temporary suspension: March 25
On March 25, the Board of Directors of the Congress announced the suspension of the salary increase, although this decision must still be made officially.
During the announcement, Ramos criticized those deputies who, after approving the increase, tried to gain political capital rejecting the measure.
What follows?
Although the Board of Directors assured that it would suspend the increase officially, the future of the salary increase of the deputies Keep in suspense.
The Constitutional Court continues to evaluate legal actions, and division within the Congress continues.