Tag "Peru"
A New Left Turn in Latin America? COVID-19, Populism and Polarization
The apparent victory of socialist candidate Pedro Castillo in Peru’s general election this year hints at a leftward political trend in Latin America. COVID-19 has played a role in this, but the key driver of the shift is more fundamental. However, looking beyond the left-right paradigm, recent developments are indicative of worsening populism and political polarization in the region.
Peru: Voters take to the polls amid a political and public-health crisis
On April 11th, Peru held the first round of its presidential elections, after which candidates Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Castillo emerged in the lead. The second and final round of Peru’s presidential election will take place this Sunday. Whoever is ultimately successful at becoming Peru’s new President will face institutional challenges exacerbated by a public-health crisis.
Crisis in Peru: The interplay between COVID and Corruption
Peru is in the throes of a political crisis following the outbreak of protests after the impeachment of now former President Martín Vizcarra, ostensibly due to corruption during his time as Governor of the province of Moquegua between 2011 and 2014. The protestors see Vizcarra’s impeachment as politically motivated, carried out to halt the anti-graft initiatives he sought to implement; the protests have also been inflamed by alleged police brutality that led to the deaths of 2 demonstrators. It is likely that some concession by the government will be made in order to defuse this tension.
Peru: A plot against the Anti-Corruption President?
A contract made by the Ministry of Culture and a suspected bribe began two impeachment proceedings into President Martin Vizcarra within as many months. The first set of proceedings were swift and cleared Vizcarra, the second was much more decisive. The initial impeachment may have highlighted members of Congress’ intent towards a coup, the second furthers these claims.
Peru’s democracy is at stake in Vizcarra’s anti-corruption crusade
As yet another corruption scandal reverberates through Peru, if new president Martín Vizcarra fails to lead the country past the wrongdoing that has plagued its government for decades, Peru could fall into a democratic crisis.
The Week Ahead: 8 – 14 April 2018
China tariff escalation rattles markets. Summit of the Americas raises Western Hemisphere policy concerns. Guatemala votes to move land dispute case to the ICJ. All in The Week Ahead.
The political fallout from the Fujimori pardon
Few political developments, in Latin America’s democratic life, have been as unexpected and controversial as Peru’s former president, Alberto Fujimori, receiving a presidential pardon. Having served less than half his sentence – 25 years for serious human rights violations that include killings, kidnapping, and torture, in addition to corruption and bribery – the now infamous Christmas pardon has placed Peru’s rule of law and presidential legitimacy under intense scrutiny.
The Week Ahead: 18 – 24 March 2018
Impeachment proceedings begin against Peruvian President Kuczynski. UK sanctions against Russia likely to escalate. US tariffs expected to take effect. All in the Week Ahead
Fujimori’s pardon holds up a mirror to Peru’s weak institutions
The political backroom dealings and fallout surrounding Fujimori’s pardon highlight the country’s problems with corruption and institutional weakness.
Will Colombia be able to capitalize on FARC peace deal to boost growth?
Colombia finds itself at a critical impasse where certain decisions in the next six months could push it toward an economic boom or serious destabilization.
