Limiting power, respecting the law, and defending individual liberty are such clear foundations that it would seem unnecessary to recall them. However, political practice in Guatemala shows that they are often ignored. For this reason, as the Movimiento Cívico Nacional (MCN), we decided to take a firm step: to bring the Republican Manual to Congress and deliver it to all parliamentary groups. This gesture was not merely ceremonial; it was a direct reminder of what those who hold a seat should protect, but frequently forget.
The Republican Manual, inspired by the idea of keeping the Republic alive, was presented as a clear synthesis of the foundations that sustain our political life. Each deputy signed for receipt, which constitutes evidence: no one can now claim ignorance of these principles. With this action, the MCN did not seek to embellish with speeches, but rather to place a written commitment to the Republic in the hands of officials.
The manual starts from a simple but powerful premise: power is not a privilege, it is a responsibility. From there, ten essential principles are listed that every legislator must assume, not as abstract theory, but as daily practice in their public function:
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• You will defend individual liberty as the foundation of the Republic.
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• You will protect the rule of law and equality before it.
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• You will limit power, starting with your own.
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• You will be a true counterbalance.
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• You will respect the constitutional order and the republican form of government.
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• You will act with transparency and permanent accountability.
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• You will respond firmly and without political calculation to your legislative responsibilities.
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• You will legislate with prudence and foundation.
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• You will protect everyone's heritage.
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• You will always answer to the citizen, not to particular interests.
Remembering the obvious is also necessary
These ten civic foundations are not new or revolutionary; they are the pillars that should govern every republic. Their true meaning lies in what they imply: the need to reverse the tendency to normalize privileges and the arbitrary exercise of power.
The delivery of the manual to Congress was also an exercise in confrontation and a reminder that citizens monitor whether republican principles are being exercised. MCN reminded the deputies that the Republic demands transparency and accountability, not opacity or shadowy pacts. That legislating with prudence implies listening to citizens and experts, not improvising laws that only serve immediate interests. And that loyalty is owed to the citizen and the Constitution, not to parties, alliances, or personal calculations.
Ultimately, the Republican Manual seeks to reduce the distance between the constitutional ideal and daily political practice. The signed receipt from each parliamentary group does not guarantee that these principles will be met, but it does eliminate the excuse of ignoring them. The MCN has recorded: legislators hold an ethical and political compass in their hands.
Defending the Republic is not achieved with solemn speeches or empty commemorations. It is achieved when those who legislate act with integrity, respect the law, and place the liberty of the citizen above any particular interest. Remembering the obvious, in politics, is more urgent than it seems. Thus, the Manual for keeping the Republic alive condenses the indispensable; below you will find it as a guide for those who legislate.
