Peru: A Stable Leadership in Lima is Vital At this Point

By Scott Morgan

Ask anyone these days Which Country in South America do they think of when they hear the word crisis: most will say Venezuela. The casual observer of the main International Newscasts can come to that conclusion.

However, there is another country in the region that has its own crises negatively impacted by the chaos in Venezuela. Some would assume that this item would be talking about Colombia. But its not. This covers Peru.

Just a few short weeks ago Peru announced that refugees from Venezuela would need more than a standard ID card to seek sanctuary in the country: they would need a passport (in order to flee from morass created by a stagnant economy, slumping oil prices and hyperinflation). Just how much of an impact this decision will have on the overall refugee flow is yet to be seen.

The climate within the Country appears to be just as chaotic as the refugee crisis that has been thrust upon it. On September 16th, the current President Martin Vizcarra demanded that the Congress approve constitutional reforms that will address Corruption issues, by September 19th, upon the pain of dissolving Congress if the body fails to ratify this change.

Under the terms of the Peruvian Constitution, the president can dissolve congress and call for new legislative elections if the Congress dismisses his cabinet over proposed laws twice. The current legislature has already dissolved one Cabinet under previous President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. The current incumbent held the position of Vice-President during the service of the Cabinet that was removed by the Congress.

Sidenote: The Fujimori Saga

Just earlier this summer there was a row regarding the youngest son of Former President Alberto Fujimori. Kenji Fujimori who is one of the most popular members of the Congress was charged with corruption and was actually suspended from Congress on these charges. However, efforts to suspend him from the legislative body failed as several members left and did not leave enough for a quorum. This is unique due to the fact his sister Keiko is the overall head of the Fuerza Popular (Popular Force) which is the largest opposition party in Congress.

It should be noted that this move by the President should not be seen as an end game maneuver. It is a tactic to move forward to a specific goal. There are several scenarios that are currently at play here. It can be seen that the President is trying to root out corruption but also to solidify his standing in order to institute more reforms as they are needed.

Stable leadership in Lima is paramount at this time. It appears that despite the Peace Deal within Colombia, the contagion that affects Venezuela could spread to its neighbors as they appear to be either unwilling or unable to deal with this crisis. When their public services become overwhelmed by sheer numbers then it may be too late…...Then people may actually find themselves in a position to flee to the North…..

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