Bernardo Arévalo addresses Codedes budget projections

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has addressed claims made by deputies regarding the budget for the Departmental Development Councils (Codedes). Arévalo stated that the budget projections for 2027 are “distorted,” arguing that some legislators' calculations fail to account for projects already in progress and that allocations are made annually according to established legal frameworks.

According to the President, the total amount designated for public works investment under Codedes for 2027 will be Q6,185 million. He noted that the National Council for Urban and Rural Development (Conadur) extended project execution periods to two years following requests from mayors and local governments to ensure proper completion of works.

Additionally, Arévalo announced a “voluntary figure” of Q1,200 million specifically earmarked for municipal investment in water and sanitation projects.