Background on Peru’s Political Instability
Peru has experienced persistent political instability since 2018, with seven presidents in office within that period. The latest change occurred when interim President José Jerí assumed power following the congressional removal of President Dina Boluarte, approximately two weeks ago.
Prime Minister’s Request for Emergency Legislative Powers
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez requested 90 days of legislative powers from Congress to enact laws against the “scourge of insecurity and organized crime,” which is regarded as Peru’s most pressing issue.
Álvarez announced this request during a presentation at Congress of President Jerí’s government plan. He stated that he already has the draft law for “delegation of powers” and hopes it will be approved this week or the next by the Council of Ministers.
Government’s Focus on Security
Álvarez emphasized that the government views security as a matter of state, asserting, “The mandate of this government is to recover authority for the State, restore order on the streets, and ensure that law once again represents justice rather than fear.”
In response to public pressure over insecurity, Jerí’s new government declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and the nearby Callao province on Tuesday. This move aims to curb rising crime rates following a protest that left one dead and over 100 injured the previous week.
Key Security Measures
Regarding security, Álvarez outlined plans to strengthen control over penitentiaries where police allege coordination with criminal gangs for extortion. He also mentioned freezing funds in bank accounts used by criminals, stating that this would disrupt the logistical chain of crime causing fear among citizens.
Álvarez further committed to ensuring neutrality in upcoming elections until a new president assumes office in July 2026.
Economic Goals
The interim government aims to achieve its projected economic growth target of 3.2% by 2026, promoting investments in key sectors like mining. Export expectations for this year stand at a record-breaking $83 billion, an 11% increase from 2024.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current political situation in Peru? Peru has experienced significant political instability since 2018, with seven presidents in office within that period. Interim President José Jerí recently assumed power following the congressional removal of President Dina Boluarte.
- Why is Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez seeking legislative powers? Álvarez requested 90 days of legislative powers to enact laws against insecurity and organized crime, which he considers the most pressing issues facing Peru.
- What security measures has the interim government proposed? The government plans to strengthen control over penitentiaries, freeze criminal funds, and ensure neutrality in upcoming elections. They aim to tackle the logistical chain of crime causing fear among citizens.
- What are the interim government’s economic goals? The government aims for a 3.2% economic growth target by 2026, promoting investments in key sectors like mining. They expect record-breaking exports of $83 billion this year, an 11% increase from 2024.
