Isabel Ortiz

Chronicle

This chronicle narrates the 79-day strike led by the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Educación de Guatemala (STEG), which lasted from May 19 to August 5 and paralyzed thousands of public schools, affecting more than 300,000 students. Behind the official demands for student benefits—such as free uniforms, medical insurance, and improved meals—lay the true motive: a 15% salary increase, higher than the 5% approved by the Government of Bernardo Arévalo.

The story amplifies the voices of mothers who, amid the silence and tension, face the consequences of this educational paralysis; showing the human and social impact of the strike on families and education. A story that begins with a personal conversation and grows to reflect a national issue.

In this section are both the original version and the one published in República, to present both perspectives of the story.


Interviews

República •

“They tolerate us, but they don't trust us”: Spanish journalist describes the pressure in China

From Beijing, Spanish journalist Jaime Santirso shares his experience of reporting from one of the most restrictive environments on the planet. In this interview, he reveals how journalism is practiced amid censorship, propaganda, and digital surveillance. He recounts the mistrust toward foreign correspondents, the invisible obstacles to covering sensitive topics, and the areas off-limits to the press. He provides an inside look at the Chinese regime and reflects on the challenges ahead if the model...
República •

Minister Victor Hugo Ventura: “Government will promote tender in Europe and the US.”

Guatemala has launched an ambitious energy tender process with the aim of strengthening its electricity supply and attracting strategic investment. With an estimated cost of USD 5 billion for generation and transmission, the PEG-5 project seeks to contract 1,400 megawatts of power, while PET-3 will focus on improving transmission infrastructure with an additional investment of USD 200 million.