As Guatemalan Democracy Falters, Indigenous Communities Stand Their Ground: Ancestral authorities played a decisive role in counteracting a right-wing backlash. In their vision for liberation, alternatives are built from the grassroots, regardless of the government in power

This article explores the role of Indigenous communities in Guatemala in countering a right-wing backlash and defending democracy. It discusses the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo, who acknowledged the support of Indigenous peoples but raised concerns about their limited representation in his cabinet. The concept of a plurinational state and demands for Indigenous rights and autonomy are also discussed. The article highlights the historical context of colonial violence and the erasure of Indigenous identities, which has fueled the call for plurinationalism. It emphasizes the ongoing struggle for a plurinational state and the importance of practicing plurinationalism and buen vivir in everyday life. [Extracted from the article]