Political Crisis In Peru, The Hindu Editorial Analysis

Political Crisis In Peru: Peru(South American Country) has been in peril and gripped by protests and political intrigue since the ouster of its former president, Pedro Castillo on Dec. 7. Peru’s security forces imposed a 30-day state of emergency on Dec. 14, banning demonstrations, curtailing freedom of movement and allowing police to search homes without a warrant.

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Why In News?

• The recent killings of 17 civilians and one police officer in South American Country Peru is the latest development in The Political Crisis In Peru.
• This shows, amid anti­ government protests, the month­long political crisis in Peru has crossed a bloody threshold and could trigger more waves of vio­lence.
• The incident shows not only the barbarity of the country’s security personnel in dealing with protests, but also the failure of President Di­na Boluarte and of her predecessor Pedro Castillo in uniting and stabilising the country during the periods they have been in power.

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Where Peru Is Located?

Peru is located in western South America. Peru is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Chile to the south, Bolivia and Brazil to the east, and Colombia and Ecuador to the north.

Who is heading Peru now?

• Dina Boluarte, who served as Castillo’s vice-president, was sworn into office on Dec. 7, the same day Castillo was ousted.
• She is the country’s first female president and was not a particularly high-profile politician before gaining power.
• She’s supported a plan to push up the 2024 elections for president and congress originally scheduled for 2026. She’s also expressed support for judicial investigations into whether security forces acted with excessive force.
• But such moves have so far failed to quell the unrest.

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What Is The Timeline Of Political Crisis In Peru?

• The Political crisis in Peru is the result of a power struggle between Peru’s former president Mr. Castillo and Congress.
• Mr. Castillo, a former school teach­er and a trade unionist, was elected President in 2021 on promises such as ensuring political sta­bility, fighting corruption and addressing chronic inequality.
• But without any administrative and political experience, Mr. Castillo found it hard to negotiate the maze of Peruvian polity.
• As he struggled to get a grip on governance, a hostile Congress and the wealthy classes lined up against him.
• Corruption scandals and alleged links with criminal syndicates weakened Mr. Castillo’s posi­ tion in Lima. Congress voted to fire him twice, but failed to garner enough support.
• As a third vote was due in December last year, Mr. Castillo made the drastic announcement of dissolving Congress, which also triggered his impeachment.
• But if Mr. Castillo, currently in jail, miscalculat­ed the consequences of his decision to dissolve Parliament, his successor and legislators mis­judged the leftist leader’s support among the poor.
• Violent protests broke out in Peru’s high­ lands demanding Mr. Castillo’s restoration or early elections.
• Mr. Castillo called Ms. Boluarte “usurper”, while his supporters said the presi­dent they voted for was not allowed to complete his legitimate term, which was to expire in 2026.

What Should Be Done?

• Restoring Mr. Castillo may not be practically and constitutionally possi­ble, but Ms. Boluarte’s government could release him from prison in return for peace.
• To end the current impasse, the government, the opposition and Congress should agree on the earliest possi­ ble date for fresh elections.
• Peru’s political class should also be ready for broader constitutional reforms that allow the presidency and the legisla­ ture to function without confrontation.

Conclusion

Both sides have a hand in the current Political Crisis In Peru and for larger good and national interest, all parties should come to­gether to find a way out.

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