Guatemala: Otto Perez Molina resigns in face of warrant, new president sworn in

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“You can’t consider your work done,” Maldonado said in remarks aimed at all those demanding change. “In what is left of this year, there must be a positive response.”

The unprecedented political drama played out after a week in which Perez Molina was stripped of his immunity, deserted by key members of his cabinet, and saw his jailed former vice president ordered to stand trial. All this just days before Sunday’s election to choose his successor.

As Maldonado took office, Perez Molina was in court hearing accusations that he was involved in a scheme in which businesspeople paid bribes to avoid import duties through Guatemala’s customs agency. He is the first Guatemalan president to resign.

Judge Miguel Angel Galvez ordered Perez Molina detained overnight before the hearing was to resume Friday morning. The former president was later seen entering a military barracks where he will spend the night in custody.

Galvez cited a need to “ensure the continuity of the hearing” and guarantee the former president’s personal safety.

Perez Molina reiterated his willingness to face the investigation head-on.

“I have always said I will respect due process,” he said. “I do not have the slightest intention of leaving the country.”