From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 1m 40s
Guatemala Central Bank Chief Returns to Congress
Guatemala's central bank chief returns to Congress after court blocks his appointment.
In brief
Guatemala's central bank chief returns to Congress after court blocks his appointment. Guatemala's former finance minister Jonathan Menkos will return to Congress after the Constitutional Court provisionally suspended his central bank role due to not resigning his seat. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Guatemala Central Bank Chief Returns to Congress
Guatemala's Congress president Luis Contreras confirmed Jonathan Menkos will retake his seat as a lawmaker on Monday, 12 October.
“Jonathan Menkos will retake his seat as a lawmaker”
Court Blocks Central Bank Appointment
The Constitutional Court provisionally suspended Menkos as head of the Guatemala central bank on 8 October because he had not resigned his congressional seat.
“The Constitutional Court provisionally suspended Menkos as head of the Guatemala central bank”
Acting Central Bank President
José Alfredo Blanco Valdés, vice president of the Guatemala central bank, has been acting president since 8 October and says operations are normal.
“José Alfredo Blanco Valdés has been acting president since 8 October”
Why the Court Blocked Menkos
The court found Menkos kept his seat while running the bank, violating the bank’s organic law that bars elected officials from the post without resigning.
“The court found Menkos kept his seat while running the bank”
President's Next Steps
President Bernardo Arévalo has not said whether he will name Menkos again after he resigns his seat or choose someone else.
“President Bernardo Arévalo has not said whether he will name Menkos again”
Criminal Complaints Filed
The Public Ministry confirmed receiving three criminal complaints over Menkos's eight days at the bank, including one for alleged abuse of authority.
“The Public Ministry confirmed receiving three criminal complaints”
US Embassy Warns Against Politicizing Bank
The US Embassy warned on 8 October against politicizing the Guatemala central bank, which affects remittances from US migrants.
“The US Embassy warned on 8 October against politicizing the Guatemala central bank”
What Happens Next
The Constitutional Court will issue a final ruling on whether Menkos can serve as central bank chief after he resigns his seat.
“The Constitutional Court will issue a final ruling”
The one thing
Guatemala's former finance minister Jonathan Menkos will return to Congress after the Constitutional Court provisionally suspended his central bank role due to not resigning his seat.
