Background on Key Figures and Context
Dina Boluarte, the current President of Peru, recently sparked controversy by referring to Bolivia as a “failed state” during her speech at the Peruvian Congress. This statement has led to diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Bolivia’s current President, Luis Arce, responded by summoning the Peruvian charge d’affaires in La Paz to express his disapproval of Boluarte’s remarks. The Bolivian government described her comments as “unacceptable” and formally protested to Peruvian diplomat Carlos Montoya.
Peru’s Foreign Minister, Elmer Schialer, attempted to ease tensions from Lima by attributing the president’s words to a misunderstanding and emphasizing that Peru does not intend to sever bilateral ties. Schialer also announced that a Peruvian delegation will attend Bolivia’s independence day celebrations on August 6.
Historical Context and Current Relations
Bolivia and Peru have been without ambassadors since late 2022, following the appointment of Dina Boluarte as Vice President after Pedro Castillo, an leftist leader, was removed from office and imprisoned for attempting to dissolve the Peruvian Congress.
At that time, President Luis Arce’s government decided not to recognize the new Peruvian administration alongside Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, expressing “deep concern” over Castillo’s dismissal. The strained relations have persisted since.
Boluarte’s Controversial Remarks and Reactions
During her address to Congress, Boluarte criticized the economic and social situations in Venezuela, Bolivia, and Cuba, stating that Peru could have faced similar challenges without her leadership.
Schialer acknowledged a possible misunderstanding, stating that Bolivia intends to maintain strong relations and that a significant Peruvian delegation will participate in Bolivia’s independence day celebrations.
Key Questions and Answers
- What sparked the recent tensions between Bolivia and Peru? The controversy began when Dina Boluarte, the President of Peru, referred to Bolivia as a “failed state” in her speech at the Peruvian Congress.
- How did Bolivia respond to these remarks? The government of Luis Arce summoned the Peruvian charge d’affaires in La Paz to express disapproval and formally protested to Peruvian diplomat Carlos Montoya.
- What role did Peru’s Foreign Minister play in addressing the situation? Elmer Schialer attempted to ease tensions by attributing Boluarte’s words to a misunderstanding and emphasizing that Peru does not intend to sever bilateral ties. He also announced a Peruvian delegation’s attendance at Bolivia’s independence day celebrations.
- Why are Bolivia and Peru currently without ambassadors? The two countries have not exchanged ambassadors since late 2022, following the removal and imprisonment of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo.
- What is the historical context behind Bolivia and Peru’s strained relations? The tensions can be traced back to when Bolivia, along with Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, expressed “deep concern” over Castillo’s dismissal and subsequent imprisonment.
