Peru’s Congress Removes Interior Minister in Response to Rising Violence
Peru’s Congress has voted to oust Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez for failing to combat rising violent crime, highlighted by the recent murder of Paul Flores, a well-known musician. Following this incident, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency, marking urgent government actions to enhance public safety amidst growing unrest.
On Friday, Peru’s Congress voted to remove Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez following his inadequate response to escalating violent crime in the country. The no-confidence vote resulted in 78 in favor, 11 opposing, and 20 abstentions. Santiváñez acknowledged his efforts alongside law enforcement during his ten-month tenure but stated he would honor the Congress’s decision to oust him.
The Peruvian Congress emphasized that Santiváñez must take accountability for his “inability to address the wave of citizen insecurity the country is facing.” Public discontent has intensified, particularly after the tragic killing of Paul Flores, the lead singer of cumbia band Armonia 10, on Sunday. Flores was shot while traveling on his band’s tour bus in Lima following a concert.
In response to Flores’s murder, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in the capital, mobilizing soldiers to assist the police in combating the crime surge. This action came shortly after opposition lawmakers initiated the no-confidence vote against Santiváñez. It is worth noting that this is not the first emergency decree, as the government previously declared a state of emergency from September to December in an effort to curtail violence.
Recent authorities’ data indicated that killings rose from 1,506 in 2023 to 2,057 by 2024, reflecting the alarming increase in violence across the nation, prompting urgent government action.
In conclusion, the ouster of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez underscores the growing concerns regarding public safety in Peru amid rising violent crime. The tragic murder of a beloved artist catalyzed governmental responses, including the declaration of a state of emergency. With a significant increase in killings reported, addressing citizen insecurity remains a pressing priority for the Peruvian government.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
