GUATEMALA: Guatemala’s vice president resigned to face an investigation over her alleged involvement in a customs corruption racket, amid a scandal that has hurt the ruling party ahead of elections.
President Otto Perez Molina announced the decision after reports linked Vice President Roxana Baldetti to a ring accused of taking bribes to avoid levying customs taxes that was purportedly led by her personal secretary.
Baldetti has denied any wrongdoing, but her chief aide disappeared after joining her on a trip to South Korea in April.
Opposition lawmakers have demanded Baldetti face a probe, and angry Guatemalans have spilled into the streets calling for her resignation.
“This is a personal decision to submit to the needed investigations…” Perez Molina said. “Her decision is personal, thoughtful and courageous.”
Around 500 people gathered in the capital’s central plaza to celebrate, waving the country’s blue and white flag.
“Baldetti’s resignation was necessary because we don’t want more corruption. Now the government knows that we are not going to tolerate more abuses against the people,” said Rodrigo Alvarez, a university student.
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