The article discusses the absence of a national competition law in Guatemala, highlighting the influence of economic elites in blocking such legislation. Despite constitutional mandates and international trade agreements requiring competition laws, Guatemala remains the only Central American country without one. The article details the historical and ongoing efforts to establish these laws, the resistance from powerful sectors like the sugar industry, and the potential economic benefits of implementing such regulations. Key figures and organizations involved in the debate are mentioned, with a focus on the political and economic dynamics at play.

The article discusses the controversial decision by Marco Baten, the Superintendent of Telecommunications, to favor Tigo by allowing it to retain a significant portion of the 700 MHz frequency band, which is ideal for 4G and 5G internet. This decision, criticized by various entities including the Contraloría General de Cuentas and the Procuraduría de los Derechos Humanos, is seen as a violation of the General Telecommunications Law and detrimental to competition. The article highlights the broader implications of regulatory capture and the lack of competition in Guatemala's telecommunications sector, emphasizing the need for a transparent public auction of the frequency band to improve internet quality and accessibility.

Mario Cuéllar, the beloved ice cream man of Mexico City, continues the legacy of his father, Pedro Cuéllar, by serving joy through a wide variety of ice cream flavors at Nevería Mi Juanita. The shop, located in the Tacubaya neighborhood, has a rich history and has served many notable figures, including famous boxers and celebrities. Mario's personal touch and prodigious memory make every customer feel special, ensuring that the tradition of spreading happiness through ice cream endures.

The article examines the dominance of the alcohol industry in Guatemala, focusing on the Botrán family's rise to power and the creation of a cartel through the Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Alcoholes y Licores (Anfal). It discusses the historical and legislative factors that have enabled this monopoly, including state policies and anti-competitive laws. The text highlights the economic and social impacts of these practices, including the suppression of indigenous production and the perpetuation of market inequalities. The article calls for regulatory reforms to promote fair competition and reduce the negative effects of monopolistic practices.

Craft brewers in Guatemala face significant challenges due to outdated laws and bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria (SAT). Despite the market being dominated by Cervecería Centroamericana and AmBev Centroamérica, over 14 small breweries have emerged in the last eight years. The Asociación de Cervecerías Independientes de Guatemala (Arteza) supports these brewers, but they struggle with unclear regulations and unfair competition. Historical context reveals that government favors have long shaped the industry, and current laws hinder the growth of small breweries. Calls for legislative reform and a more dynamic market are highlighted.

The article delves into the pervasive corruption within Guatemala's Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing (CIV), highlighting how various ministers and officials have exploited their positions for personal gain. It discusses the historical context of the ministry's decline, the involvement of private companies in public works, and the role of international organizations like CICIG in exposing corruption. Key figures such as José Luis Benito, Alejandro Sinibaldi, and Jimmy Morales are scrutinized for their corrupt practices. The narrative underscores the systemic nature of corruption in Guatemala, influenced by neoliberal policies and the capture of state institutions by economic elites.

The article explores the historical and cultural significance of culinary practices during the post-war period in Spain, particularly under the Francoist regime. It highlights the scarcity and rationing of food, the social inequalities exacerbated by these conditions, and the creative adaptations made by the Spanish people to survive. The book 'Las recetas del hambre' by David Conde Caballero and Lorenzo Mariano Juárez is discussed as an anthropological and historical essay that dignifies the efforts of those who suffered during this period, offering a narrative of resistance through recipes.

Glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide whose commercial version is Roundup by Monsanto, is used in Colombia to eradicate illicit coca crops as part of Plan Colombia, sponsored by the United States. Despite its widespread use, glyphosate has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, and environmental damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as a potential carcinogen, and studies in Argentina and Paraguay have shown increased birth defects and health problems in areas with heavy glyphosate use. Colombian farmers, such as Miguel Ángel Jaramillo, have suffered skin conditions due to glyphosate spraying. The ineffectiveness of glyphosate in reducing coca cultivation, along with its health and environmental impacts, has led to calls for the suspension of its use and a shift towards manual eradication and crop substitution, especially in the context of peace negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

The article discusses the hidden crisis of groundwater exploitation in Mexico, highlighting the significant social and economic inequalities it creates. It criticizes the private monopolization of water resources, the role of economic elites, and the inefficacy of government bodies like Conagua in managing water sustainably. Experts from various institutions provide insights into the disproportionate water concessions favoring wealthy agricultural and industrial sectors, exacerbating poverty and marginalization in less privileged regions. The article calls for a more equitable distribution of water resources and stricter regulatory measures to ensure the human right to water.