Uneasy allies: The far right comes to power

From: NACLA Report on the Americas | Date: March 1, 2000| Author: | Copyright information

Contradictions between far-right followers of former dictator Rios Montt and populist supporters of President Portillo are likely to grow, especially if Rios Montt tries to clear the way for a 2003 presidential bid.

Although the victory of Alfonso Portillo in Guatemala's December presidential runoff was fully expected, his resounding victory-and that of the extreme right-wing party he represents, the Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG)-took many observers aback. The FRG, founded in 1988 by General Efrain Rios Montt, who led a coup in 1982 and presided over a campaign of genocide and ...

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