“Liberalism is the supreme generosity, the right that the majority grants to the minority, the noblest cry that has ever resounded on the planet.” -Ortega y Gasset
The Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala states in Article 140 that Guatemala is a free, independent, and sovereign State, organized to guarantee its inhabitants the enjoyment of their rights and freedoms. Its system of government is republican, democratic, and representative. The same Constitution states that the reform, modification, and suspension of this article, and anything that threatens the republican form of government, are prohibited.
The republic uses an individualistic method, in which the person is fundamental and irreplaceable in terms of importance. Likewise, the Constitution ensures that the fundamental principle of the Guatemalan Republic is the primacy of the human person as the subject and purpose of the social order. This guarantees their security and the fulfillment of their rights and freedoms, under the limitations imposed by law.
The Republic is characterized by the separation of powers that allows for balance and limitation of powers, checks and balances. Each of the three powers is responsible for the administration of different aspects of the country. The legislative branch —congress— is responsible for creating laws and administering the State budget. The executive branch —president, vice president, and ministers— is responsible for the management of the State, that is, the application and execution of laws. The judicial branch —courts— is responsible for administering justice and interpreting laws to resolve disputes.
Richard Dagger states that there are republics —such as the democratic Republic of Guatemala— and democracies. The democratic Republic of Guatemala promotes the importance of the rule of law. This guarantees that all people, entities, or institutions must ensure compliance with all laws in all situations, regardless of the context, and also ensures that their applicability will be without discrimination.
The Republic is not a matter of right or left ideology.
An important characteristic of the Republic is political pluralism. This is defined as the principle that ensures that a republican State or territory finds its strength in the variety of opinions and interests dispersed throughout society. In other words, opposing positions among individuals do not weaken the republic but strengthen it. This principle demands free discussion and expression of ideas and opinions in public and private aspects, about the government or about social problems. This translates into freedom of expression, freedom of thought, and freedom of association.
The Republic has firm and fundamental pillars:
- Alternation in power
- Rule of law
- Equality before the law
- Transparency of government actions
- Citizen Sovereignty
- Limitation of public power
- Separation of powers
- Checks and balances
Failures in the fulfillment of these pillars threaten the life of the Republic. Defending and respecting each of these principles guarantees the rights of all citizens. The fulfillment of the principles of the Republic safeguards the freedoms and rights of all Guatemalans.
Defending all republican principles and ensuring compliance with the country's laws allows all Guatemalans to be protected against any threat to our rights or freedoms.
It is important for all Guatemalans that the Republic be defended.
To achieve this, the transfer of power must take place on January 14 at 2:00 p.m. and the individual rights of all Guatemalans must be safeguarded.
“The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings capable of law, where there is no law, there is no freedom.” -John Locke