Introduction to Pedro Castillo and His Limitations as Peru’s President
Pedro Castillo, the current president of Peru, has been aware of his limitations since taking office. His primary concern from day one was to prevent the Congress from destituting him. This understanding led Castillo to purchase votes from oppositional deputies to ensure their support against any potential destitution attempts.
The Rapid Turnover of Ministers in Castillo’s Administration
In just 18 months, Castillo’s administration experienced a high turnover rate among ministers. There were seven Interior Ministers, five Defense Ministers, five Production Ministers, five Foreign Relations Ministers, five Culture Ministers, four Health Ministers, and three Economy Ministers. The only minister who consistently fulfilled their salary obligations was Geiner Alvarado, who served as the Housing Minister from July 2021 to August 2022. He later took on the Communications portfolio between August and September 2022.
Corruption Allegations and Key Whistleblowers
The primary accusers of Castillo’s rampant corruption were his own associates, not political opponents as claimed by former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Salatiel Marrufo, the former chief of aides to the Housing Minister, exposed the corrupt practices of his superior Geiner Alvarado and President Castillo.
Marrufo confessed to a special prosecutor that Alvarado handed over 50,000 soles (approximately 270,000 Mexican pesos) to Castillo, while the rest of the money (150,000 soles or 815,000 Mexican pesos) was kept for various expenses. Castillo received a monthly salary of 50,000 soles from the Housing Minister.
Extortionate Demands and Favoritism
Castillo’s greed knew no bounds. He once informed Alvarado that his sister, Gloria Castillo Terrones, would call to suggest suitable acquaintances for appointment in the Housing Ministry. Upon reviewing their CVs, Marrufo advised Alvarado to tell Castillo that supporting his sister would require a monthly payment of 10,000 soles to ensure the hiring of capable individuals.
Castillo agreed to this arrangement, and Alvarado began making monthly payments of 60,000 soles to Gloria Castillo’s account. Between September 2021 and May 2022, Castillo received 50,000 soles monthly, while his six siblings collectively earned 60,000 soles. This period saw the family accumulating 990,000 soles (approximately 260,000 USD).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the main figures involved in this scandal? Pedro Castillo, the President of Peru, Geiner Alvarado (former Housing Minister), and Salatiel Marrufo (former chief of aides to the Housing Minister).
- What was Castillo’s primary concern as president? Castillo’s main priority was to prevent his destitution by the Congress, which led him to buy votes from oppositional deputies.
- How did the high turnover of ministers occur in Castillo’s administration? The rapid changes in ministerial positions were due to Castillo’s focus on securing support rather than maintaining a stable cabinet.
- What were the allegations of corruption against Castillo and his associates? Castillo and Alvarado were accused of accepting bribes, favoritism in ministerial appointments, and exploiting public funds for personal gain.
