Peru’s Congress voted to remove Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez due to his failure to effectively combat rising crime rates. Following public outcry over a recent murder, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in Lima. The total number of killings has significantly increased from 2023 to 2024. Santiváñez must resign within 72 hours after the no-confidence vote.
On Friday, Peru’s Congress successfully voted to remove Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez from office, citing his inadequate response to rising violent crime in the country. The vote concluded with 78 members in favor, 11 opposed, and 20 abstentions, mandating Santiváñez to resign within 72 hours. Although he has asserted that he collaborated vigorously with law enforcement during his ten-month tenure, he acknowledged the legislative decision.
The Congress emphasized the necessity for Santiváñez to assume accountability for his “inability to address the wave of citizen insecurity the country is facing.” This no-confidence vote follows a surge in public indignation regarding the rising murder rate, particularly after the tragic killing of Paul Flores, a prominent cumbia band singer, by assailants targeting his band’s tour bus in Lima.
Following the incident, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in the capital, ordering military support to assist police in tackling the escalating violence. Additionally, the government had previously announced a state of emergency from September to December as a measure against the pronounced spike in violence. Authorities documented a staggering increase in killings, reporting 2,057 homicide cases in 2024 compared to 1,506 in 2023.
In summary, the ousting of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez reflects widespread dissatisfaction with governmental measures against rising violence in Peru. The escalating murder rate, exemplified by high-profile incidents, has prompted urgent actions from Congress and the President, including a state of emergency. This situation underscores the pressing need for effective leadership and decisive responses to public safety concerns in Peru.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
