Peru’s president Dina Boluarte reshuffled the cabinet this Tuesday, replacing Alex Contreras as Minister of Economy and Finance with economist José Arista. The other changes touched the Defence, Environment, and Energy and Mines portfolios.
Contreras, who had held the post since December 10, 2022, departed amid criticism of his handling of the national economy as the country slipped into recession last year. A social media message underscored the urgency of continuing and accelerating expansion, signaling a desire to keep the government’s momentum intact.
The message stressed that the medium-term agenda must move forward with a focus on regional infrastructure, the maritime sector, Amazon development, and Peru’s emergence as a port logistics hub. It also emphasized the need to shift the political framework toward reforms that cultivate a more stable environment. The statement concluded by thanking Boluarte and the prime minister, Alberto Otárola, for their trust and support.
José Arista has previously held the role by serving as Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation during the short tenure of Manuel Merino in November 2020, and earlier during the administration of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018). Arista studied economics at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, UCLA, and the Catholic University of Chile. He began his public service career in 1990 as the national director of the Public Budget at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and contributed to the creation of the National Tax Administration Inspectorate (Sunat) and the Tax Administrative Service (SAT). He also served as governor of the Amazonas region from 2011 to 2014 and held roles including director of the Banco de la Nación, alternate governor at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and director of the Andean Development Corporation (CAF).
Other changes in the cabinet
Boluarte appointed retired General Walter Astudillo to lead the Ministry of Defense, moved Biologist Juan Carlos Castro from the Ministry of Environment, and transferred Albina Ruiz to Environment while transferring Rómulo Mucho to Energy and Mines. Mucho had previously served as deputy minister of the office during the government of Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006). The reshuffle reflects a broader effort to realign leadership across key ministries as part of a wider reform agenda.
The Peruvian president announced these cabinet changes two days after a public opinion poll suggested a steep drop in support for the administration. The survey indicated that 83 percent of Peruvians disapprove of Boluarte’s government and 75 percent disapprove of Prime Minister Otárola, with Boluarte registering only 10 percent approval and Otárola 8 percent, the lowest levels since taking office. The poll also captured public sentiment on Contreras’s management of the economy, showing 63 percent disapproval and 15 percent approval for his tenure. The data point to a challenging political environment for the leadership as it pursues policy reforms and economic measures.
In the midst of this climate, political analyst Pedro Tenorio commented that the cabinet reshuffle does not by itself reverse the weak approval trend surrounding Boluarte. Tenorio highlighted that Peruvians expect tangible actions and results from government policies, especially in citizen security and the economy, which remain focal points for future reforms and public confidence.