Peru Youth Rise Up Against Corruption, Cronyism

Thousands of Peruvian citizens led by university students mobilized for a march Tuesday in rejection of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and the Fujimorista-controlled Congress.

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Those organizing the protest claim President Kuczynski is supporting the selection of morally and technically unqualified Fujimorista supporters to head several government institutions in exchange for support for reforms in Congress.

The decision to take to the streets was sparked by the selection of three people very close to Fujimorismo to the board of the Central Reserve Bank.

Organizers made a call to action stating, “Fujimorismo and their allies, showing off their desire to accumulate power and understanding public service as a hunting for political quotas, has named as directors of the Central Bank of Reserve people who lack technical and ethical integrity.”

One of the appointees is Jose Chlimper, who is still acting director of the Fujimorista political party. What is most controversial about him, however, is that he is currently undergoing criminal investigation after he was accused of altering audio he gave to journalists in order to protect another party member and primary funder, Joaquin Ramirez. The latter is being investigated by Peru and the United States for drug trafficking. 

Another newly appointed member of the Central Reserve Bank is Rafael Rey, an Opus Dei far-right political commentator and former Minister of Defense under the government of Alberto Fujimori, the former Peruvian dictator who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for corruption and crimes against humanity. Moreover, Rey has no background in economics or finance and has admitted publicly that he “would have to study as it goes.”

The third candidate is Elmer Cuba. He is a neoliberal economist who designed the bill to cut working benefits for youth last year. The bill was approved by congress with the support of Fujimoristas but was later repealed after massive marches took over the streets.

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President Kuczynski initially gave his support for the three new appointments to the Central Reserves Banks but has since backtracked. Fujimoristas hold 72 out of 120 seats in congress but they have a voting block of 77 if you add their close allies from the Apra Party. With such numbers, no legislation can be passed without their support and they can legislate on most issues without the support of others.

Other controversial appointments include Fujimorista Walter Gutierrez as Ombudsman and Fujimorista Victor Shiguiyama as head of the tax collection agency SUNAT.