The corruption running rampant in the country has become too much for thousands of Hondurans and Guatemalans, who have taken to the streets in protest of the massive misappropriation of public funds being initiated by the government.
The waves of protests began several weeks ago, demanding the immediate resignation of right-wing presidents Juan Orlando Hernández of Honduras and Otto Pérez Molina of Guatemala, according to Workers World. The two presidents have been accused of being linked to bribery rings involving their country's social security programs, as well as private corporations.
Honduras in particular is involved in a very controversial case regarding the healthcare of its people, especially after the death of 11 women have been linked to substandard medicine that were acquired through deals with corrupt politicians, reports Al Jazeera.
Guatemala, on the other hand, is embroiled in an equally massive scandal, involving millions of dollars that went to the pockets of politicians instead of going to the people.
President Juan Orlando Hernandez has stated that his party received donations from some of the companies linked to the scandals in his country, but denies and personal involvement, reports Worker's World. He has also called for a dialogue with the protesters.
The protesters, however, show no desire for any compromise with the president. Nelson Avila, leftist economist, states that the frequency and size of the protests show the common man's stance over the corruption in the country. "Regardless of the short term impact of these protests, in the long run it's clear this nation can no longer tolerate corrupt politicians - criminals that is - in control," he said.
