The regional governor of La Libertad and leader of the Alliance for Progress (APP), Cesar Acunaspoke out against Peru Libre’s proposal to maintain parliamentary immunity so that congressmen are not investigated and have protection for up to a year after their terms end.
In this regard, Acuña made it clear that his party will not support this project: “We are not going to support the proposal of Peru Libre. And I will say it with these words: No congressman should be a sacred cow“There must be political control. There must be clear rules and there must be no abuse of power as congressmen,” he said at a press conference.
In this way, Cesar Acuña stated that No congressman should be above the law. Also, during the same conference, He left open the possibility of running for president in 2026even though he promised he would not do so in order to focus on solving the problems in his region.
Parliamentary immunity bill
The Peru Libre bench, led by fugitive Vladimir Cerrónhas introduced a bill which seeks to restore parliamentary immunityThis initiative aims to provide congressmen with legal protection, preventing them from being investigated while they are in office and for up to one year after leaving office.
The proposal comes in the midst of accusations against several members and former members of the party, involved in the ‘mochasueldos’ case, including María Agüero, Katy Ugarte and Edgar Tello. These congressmen were singled out for alleged acts of corruption.
The congressman Jose Maria Balcazarpromoter of the initiative, He was the one who admitted to maintaining regular contact with Cerrónwhich has raised further doubts about the bill. The document suggests that congressmen could only be investigated with the authorization of Parliament or the Permanent Commission, which would limit oversight and accountability.
Peru Libre proposes to resume parliamentary impunity. Photo: Congress of the Republic
Rules out alliance with Keiko Fujimori and Fuerza Popular
Alliance for Progress (APP) has ruled out forming an electoral alliance with Fuerza Popular in view of the 2026 general elections. According to Luis Valdez, general secretary of César Acuña’s party, although in 2021 they supported Keiko Fujimori in the second roundThis does not imply an ideological coincidence or a future electoral coalition.
Valdez clarified that APP has a “different” political proposal and that they plan to compete independently in the next elections. He assured that his party has the capacity to face the elections without the need for alliances, and they are confident of bringing a different political offer to the Peruvian electorate.
As to the relationship with Fuerza PopularValdez explained that this is similar to the one they have with other congressional groups, based on the search for consensus in a fragmented parliament. He stressed that APP will continue to dialogue with various political groups to find common ground on key issues for the country.
