For its part, the CICIG released a statement congratulating Porras Argueta and expressing “confidence” that the body would “continue working in close cooperation with the Attorney General’s Office in combating impunity, as well as strengthening judicial institutions and the culture of lawfulness in Guatemala.”

InSight Crime Analysis

The selection of Porras Argueta as Guatemala’s next attorney general was expected by many observers who spoke to InSight Crime during its months-long investigation of the process, particularly given the renewed vigor with which the Morales administration has dug in against investigations by the Attorney General’s Office and the CICIG that have ensnared the president and his allies. Ahead of the decision, several top officials in the Attorney General’s Office resigned their positions, although it’s not clear if those departures were in response to Porras Argueta’s impending appointment as head of the country’s top prosecutorial body. It said Thursday that she will “push a policy of objective, impartial and independent criminal prosecution.”

Porras will be responsible for continuing a number of cases, including one against Morales, who is suspected of illicit electoral financing. There is also a pending case against his son and brother for purported fraud and money laundering.
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales appoints María Consuelo Porras as Attorney General and Chief of the Public Ministry to replace Thelma Aldana.