Álvaro Colom assumed the presidency on January 14. In his inaugural speech he called for a national dialogue to address the most grievous problems facing the country – poverty above all. But even though Colom has repeatedly defined his incipient government as a “socially democratic” one, his cabinet appointments indicate that the reality will be more complex. Alongside the many officials who are true “social democrats” will serve others who represent entrenched business and social interests.

From the English version of Inforpress Centroamericana and is by Luis Solano as translated by Matthew Brooke.    more »