The President of Peru, Pedro Castillo, completes a year in office with a record of five tax investigations for alleged corruption and the persistent siege of a Congress dominated by the right that demands his resignation.
The panorama evokes the fate of former presidents Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Martín Vizcarra, who survived a first impeachment motion, but not a second one in 2018 and 2020 respectively, amid clashes with Congress and allegations of corruption.
Castillo, a rural teacher and trade unionist, has survived two impeachment attempts “for moral incapacity”driven by a dissatisfied sector of Congress since the beginning of his mandate.
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When this Thursday he goes to Congress to his first annual message on Peru’s national day, you will find a more tense environment.
The recent decision of the nation’s prosecutor, Patricia Benavides, to open a new investigation for “obstruction of justice” by protecting three members of his entourage who are fugitives, he has fueled the embers for a third impeachment request.
for now, Castillo has weathered the storm aided by the corruption and fragmentation of the 130-member Congress, that he lacks the 87 votes necessary to remove him from office.
We continue to support the work of farmers. This time, I met with the representatives of the country’s coffee, cocoa, and fruit growers’ unions, with whom we discussed strengthening the agricultural sector to boost its productivity.#AlwaysWithThePeople pic.twitter.com/YDPVKjSyq2
– Pedro Castillo Terrones (@PedroCastilloTe) July 5, 2022
Various analysts consulted by AFP They doubt that he will be able to stay in power.
“At three monthss it was evident that he was an inept president with a vocation for corruption very large,” said analyst and economist Augusto Álvarez Rodrich.
five investigations
The Prosecutor’s Office opened five investigations against Castillofour for cases that occurred in his government.
The causes contemplate an alleged influence peddling in the purchase of fuel by the state-owned Petroperú in 2021 and the alleged obstruction of justice in the dismissal of a Minister of the Interior.
I salute the democratic election of the new Board of Directors of Congress and we collect the words of the President of Parliament, Lady Camones, to draw up a common agenda between Legislative and Executive, prioritizing reforms and addressing the most urgent problems of the country.
– Pedro Castillo Terrones (@PedroCastilloTe) July 26, 2022
Also a alleged influence peddling in a military promotion file; alleged corruption and aggravated collusion in a public works project, and for plagiarism in his university thesis.
The president vehemently denies all charges.
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“I have nothing to do with irregular acts or corruption. I am an honest man and I will always defend my innocence and honor“he wrote on Twitter on June 17.
The prosecutor’s office, which is autonomous and promotes the mega-investigation of the Odebrecht case that affected four other Peruvian presidents, considers that there are indications that Castillo heads “a criminal organization” that involves his political and family environment.
Nevertheless, He cannot take it to court because he has immunity until the end of his term in 2026.
“The public ministry is independent. There have been so many testimonies and accusations that seem to be well founded. I don’t think these are fabricated,” said analyst Michael Shifter, of the Inter-American Dialogue, based in Washington DC.
I strongly reject any act of violence that violates personal freedoms, as well as freedom of the press and expression. We are respectful of the rule of law. (1/2)
– Pedro Castillo Terrones (@PedroCastilloTe) July 7, 2022
“This is not ideological,” he estimated. “Corruption is not limited to the president and Congress is also heavily involved and members of Congress have benefited. That’s why they don’t want him fired either. They want this to continue. It’s kind of a perverse balance.”
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The political scientist Carlos Meléndez, from the Chilean University Diego Portales, believes that Castillo is apparently surrounded by “adventurers and opportunists who punctually agree to set up improper businesses taking advantage of their proximity to power”.
On Tuesday, Castillo’s former secretary, Bruno Pacheco, wanted on corruption charges, turned himself in to authorities in another blow to the image of the president.
