New Tax Reform in Guatemala
Guatemala - When President Alvaro Colom
decided to withdraw the government draft tax
reform from the Guatemalan Congress, he
immediately announced its replacement by a
new, more profound and advanced one.
The initiative, presented some months ago,
faced obstacles in Congress that were
imposed by the opposition led by the
Patriota (Patriotic) Party.
Weakened after so many concessions and
changes, the reform has almost nothing to do
with its original version, according to the
pro-government National Unity for Hope Party
(UNE).
Therefore, UNE Parliament leader Roberto
Kestler presented on Thursday before the
plenary a motion requesting to withdraw the
document that, in opinion of the Ministry of
Public Finances (MINFIN), has suffered
extreme weakening.
President Alvaro Colom said they will
present a new proposal to guarantee
Constitutional functions of the State, and
it will be a true tax reform, including work
with the civil society to reach consensus.
"If the population wants health, education,
development, security and justice, they have
to pay taxes," stressed Colom. |
