Guatemalans take to streets demanding resignation of president

Thousands of Guatemalans took to the streets Thursday to demand the resignation of President Otto Perez Molina over corruption.

These scenes were repeated across the country's major cities, with many businesses even shutting their doors in solidarity with the protests.

Protesters wielded signs reading "I don't have a president" or "Quit now", after the Supreme Court approved a request by the country's attorney general on Thursday to allow Congress to vote on whether to impeach Perez or not.

The president and his former vice-president, Roxana Baldetti, have been facing corruption allegations since May. Baldetti was finally arrested last week on suspicion of having headed up a corruption ring with Perez that embezzled money from Guatemala's customs revenues.

Guatemalans from all walks of life converged on Constitution Square, outside the presidential palace, where they backed up their demands with the sound of vuvuzelas.

Guatemala City woke up to light traffic and a number of restaurant chains including McDonald's and Domino's closing their doors, alongside other shops. These all gave their employees the day off to take part in the march.

This was made possible by the decision of Guatemala's central trade association, Cacif, demanding the resignation of Perez and putting up no opposition to the protests.

"The president of Guatemala has caused severe damage to our country and the economy...this is shaming our country," Jorge Briz, president of Cacif, told the press, adding that he supported the protests.

Later on Thursday, the country's parliament announced the creation of a committee to investigate whether Perez should lose his presidential immunity. Endit