LatinNews Daily - 03 September 2026

*Guatemala’s finance minister, Jonathan Menkos, has sent down the government’s 2027 budget proposal which is for Q192.0bn (US$25.2bn), up from the initial proposal for Q181.6bn unveiled on 1 July, and up 13.8% on the current 2026 budget. Of the total, Q131.6bn will come from tax take, up 9.9% on the tax take forecast for 2026. According to the finance ministry (Minfin) with this, tax take will rise from 11.8% of GDP to 12.1% of GDP. The 2027 budget proposal contemplates a fiscal deficit of 4.4% of GDP, up from 3.8% in 2026. It said that this increase in spending is in line with efforts to boost investment, including for projects such as the expansion of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala’s largest Pacific Ocean port, in Escuintla department, which will receive Q4.8bn, financing general elections in 2027 (Q2.0bn), paying off debts owed to Guatemala’s central bank (Banguat) (Q2.6bn), and funds for the national infrastructure agency (Q2.6bn). According to the government, 46% of the 2027 budget will go on social investment, with education receiving Q34.8bn, health, Q18.3bn, and public security to receive Q21.0bn. The budget now goes to the 160-member unicameral legislature where it must be approved before 30 November.