Analyst Conrado Reyes: 14% of Budget for Debt Uninvested for 17 Months

Guatemala City, Guatemala – Analyst Conrado Reyes highlighted a critical issue concerning the national budget, stating that nearly 14% of the allocated funds, approximately 150 billion, are designated for debt repayment. This debt includes significant loans from international entities such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. During his analysis, Reyes pointed out a concerning trend: despite these substantial allocations, the funds earmarked for debt repayment have not been invested for the past 17 months. He underscored the financial implications of this inaction, suggesting that failing to invest these borrowed resources ultimately proves more costly to the nation. Reyes drew a stark comparison, likening the situation to individuals having a 'blank check' from banks without any accountability for how the money is used or repaid. He emphasized the need for greater transparency and strategic investment of these funds to ensure they contribute positively to the country's economic development rather than simply accumulating interest.