In Peru, a sweeping constitutional complaint has been presented to Congress by the National Prosecutor, Patricia Benavides, targeting the head of state at the center of a turbulent political moment. The filing describes a broad conspiracy and hints at a broader effort to undermine the current government. The president has framed recent events as the onset of a new kind of political upheaval, describing it as a chase that involves not only members of the administration but also close associates who form the inner circle of power.
The president asserted that the constitutional complaint rests on the government’s constitutional authority to manage state affairs. The Prosecutor General has delivered to Parliament an accusation that frames the rural teacher who assumed office in July 2021 as the focal point of ongoing political turmoil. Regardless of the perspective, the sequence of changes in leadership, including several prime ministers, is presented as part of a narrative about a so-called criminal organization within the government.
There are serious indications cited regarding the alleged existence of a criminal network, with the prosecutor alleging attempts to seize, control, and steer government contracting for personal gain. The report paints a picture of influence over procurement processes and decision-making, raising questions about integrity and accountability at the highest levels of state power.
The role of the legislature
Parliament, currently dominated by conservative parties and faced with two impeachment attempts, must weigh the significance of the complaint. The political landscape includes a former ally who left the governing coalition, who has faced widespread public disapproval. A recent survey reflected strong negative sentiment among the electorate, highlighting the political volatility surrounding the presidency and ongoing governance challenges.
Constitutional scholars have offered scenarios to interpret the proceedings, noting that any allegations hinge on treaty obligations and national law alike. They emphasize that while the president may be subject to investigations under the country’s penal code, the precise explanations must align with the text of applicable treaties to be legally sound.
The case involves former ministers and current and former senior officials who held key portfolios, including transport, communications, and housing. The investigation has extended beyond individual figures to include searches of several offices and residences associated with figures aligned with the ruling party. A notable event included the search of a relative’s home, which has fueled public debate about the boundaries of investigative authority and due process. The surrounding discourse continues to scrutinize the balance between accountability and political sensitivity, with each development prompting new questions about governance and rule of law. Attribution: Official statements and coverage from public records and reputable news organizations have documented these events.
The president’s legal team has argued that the filing amounts to a repetition intended to create a criminal charge by artificial means. They emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the right of defense and ensuring that any allegations are proven through proper legal proceedings. The debate over the nature of the charge and the proper procedures underscores the ongoing tensions between branches of government and the evolving state of Peruvian politics.