Guatemala central bank head faces legal challenges over dual roles

The Guatemalan government faces legal challenges regarding the appointment of Jonathan Menkos as president of the Banco de Guatemala (Banguat). Following his inauguration on October 1, 2026, the Constitutional Court (CC) issued a 48-hour deadline for President Bernardo Arévalo to justify the appointment.

Three separate injunctions (amparos) have been filed against the move. The first, by the Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations (CACIF), argues that Menkos is illegally holding two public offices simultaneously because his status as a deputy has not been extinguished. The second, filed by the Vamos parliamentary group, contends that the legislative permission granted to Menkos in 2024 was specific to a role as Finance Minister and does not authorize him to hold any other public position without resigning his seat.

A third injunction, filed by private citizens, challenges Menkos's technical qualifications, questioning whether he meets the legal requirement of “notorious preparation and competence in economic and financial matters.” The government must respond to the CC by Sunday, October 4, to address these institutional disputes regarding monetary policy leadership through 2030.