The former president Martin Vizcarra, who is seeking to register his new party, recommends that the president, Pedro Castillo, raise the advancement of general elections in his July 28 message, as he did before dissolving Congress. He alleges that Thus, the attention of the citizens will remain on the Legislative for the way out of the political crisis.
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—Looking to register your party. In which elections will you participate?
—We will present the documents this Thursday the 21st. In August we must already be a registered party, not for this year’s elections, but for others. The aim is not only electoral, but to transcend.
—Will you participate in the next general elections?
-It will be qualified for the next general elections, which I hope will be general because Congress would like only presidential elections.
—It is clear that he will participate…
-Of course, of course.
Former president presented in Arequipa advance registration of his Peru First party. Photo: Rodrigo Talavera / The Republic
—He sees almost certainly that those generals will be before 2026.
—It is what corresponds. Peru has experienced a very difficult year and we do not deserve this situation for four more years. The rejection of the authorities is such that they are without legitimacy. They have legality, they came in clean but tight elections, but they have lost legitimacy. Very few feel represented by the Government and the Congress.
—You also came to the weak Government, but gained support. How would you define your formula?
-I assumed the presidency with approval of 30% to 35% and then for actions in favor of the people they recognize us. I had a political, justice and health crisis, and we made decisions in favor of the population facing groups that prioritize their interests.
—Was Salaverry your card to help Castillo?
—With Salaverry my relationship is very scarce and it is not about supporting with an intermediary. If Castillo had wanted my advice, he would have asked for it. I would have gladly given it because every Peruvian must put in his effort. With Sagasti he did meet.
YOU CAN SEE: Vizcarra on recent congresses: “One obstructionist, another revenger and this one thinks of their interests”
—Are you willing to do it?
-It’s too late. Her situation is so precarious that there is no way to reverse it. She had many opportunities, the last one with Max Hernández and Cardinal Barreto. She has shown no purpose of doing good government.
—You are disabled. Who will be the candidate who will lead your party offer?
“It’s premature. I have objected to the disqualification in domestic forums and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. By jurisprudence with Gustavo Petro, it must be reversed. In the party we summon those who want to join. There are competent people…
—Why continue in politics with serious processes in justice? Isn’t it better to get over them?
—My actions have been correct and in accordance with the law. Any investigation process will conclude in it. There is no penalty, but investigations. I would like to explain, but the Judiciary prohibits me from giving details.
Former president presented in Arequipa advance registration of his Peru First party. Photo: Rodrigo Talavera / The Republic
—Isn’t it a search for impunity through politics?
—I proposed that any authority could be investigated to remove that cloak of impunity. Now Castillo, being president, is being investigated. Where the impunity?… And the Judiciary is independent.
—Who finances your party? There is a whole logistics…
—The will of the sympathizers. The premises of 90 provincial committees are membership houses. On trips, everyone goes with their money. And so everything.
—What do you live on?
—Before becoming a politician, I had 20 years of private work that gave me an income. This year I have done engineering work in private real estate projects.
—Would you have dissolved this Congress?
-Nope. The conditions are different. Our Executive functioned adequately and the Congress obstructed. Before dissolving it, I proposed advancing elections. That Congress shelved the proposal. Faced with the second denial of trust, I had to dissolve it. I do not regret. Today is different: there is misgovernment. It would not change anything to dissolve Congress and it would not achieve anything by vacating Castle. The way out is to advance elections. Instead of working that the congressmen seek his re-election under the pretext of the bicameral system.
—There are specialists in favor of congressional re-election…
—The Congress of previous years would be a model… I don’t rule out that re-election and bicamerality can be analyzed, but in a broad and participatory manner, not as they have done. There are 71 congressmen against about 14 million Peruvians in the previous referendum. Now, let Juárez, Montoya, Cavero campaign for their re-election as supposed eminences and experts in armor.
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—What should Castillo say in his message this July 28?
– Early elections. It’s the only good thing he can say. That they accept with self-criticism that they should all leave, but in an orderly manner. It is the only advertisement that the town would accept. Something else is more of the same.
—It’s almost impossible, right?
-I did.
—Wasn’t it because he knew Congress was going to reject him?
—No, I thought they could act in the best way.
—How do you see the citizen initiative of the electoral advance?
—A good initiative, I would sign the register, but it is something romantic without concrete effect, since it will reach Congress, where Juárez will file it.
—Also if Castillo raises it, it will go through Congress…
—But there is a state power that accepts and puts the other in check. When things get worse, the problem belongs to the congressmen.
—What guarantees us that with electoral advance we will not fall into the same thing again?
-It must be with primary electionsopen, simultaneous and mandatory for the population to filter out bad candidates from the parties.
YOU CAN SEE: Fujimorism with its back to the bicameral referendum
—Do you think the country has already forgiven you for the so-called vaccinegate?
—You have to ask the country. I apologized if someone saw bad faith. It was not my intention.
—Will you use the ‘Bebito fiu fiu’ in your campaign? Do you appreciate it?
—(Laughs) No, I would have to ask Tito Silva for rights, whom I don’t know. They even think it’s our marketing. It is a song that has been liked and we do not want to use it in a political angle.
—How did your wife and family take what happened?
—With my wife I have 34 years of solid relationship that no one will put at risk. It is a more united relationship than ever.
—What do you miss about power?
“The opportunity to serve. Not at all the paraphernalia, walking safely… bothered. It’s a relief to be here now as usual, ordinary citizens, I don’t know if they’re Indians, as Alva says.
