The president of Peru, Pedro Castillo, confirmed this Friday that he has not accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Aníbal Torres. Castillo stated that Torres has offered to continue serving the country, and the president emphasized that he will keep him in his post as long as both sides agree. In a concise message posted on social media, Castillo said, I did not accept the resignation of Prime Minister Aníbal Torres, who is committed to carrying on with the nation’s work.
Torres had previously signaled his intention to step down, describing it as a personal decision. If he had left, he would have become the fourth prime minister to resign within a year. The resignation letter, submitted last Wednesday, cited personal reasons but indicated that it would be effective only with the president’s acceptance, since it was not an irrevocable decision. In his message, Torres explained that after serving alongside the president to benefit the country, especially its most neglected and overlooked communities, he would return to his academic duties. He also noted that if the prime minister resigns, the entire cabinet would need to resign as well, leaving it to the president to form a new government.
Castillo announced plans to take the oath of office on Friday, just after leaving the headquarters of the Public Ministry where prosecutors had summoned him to testify about investigations involving police and military promotions associated with his administration. Since then, local media have circulated a range of names as potential successors to Torres, including figures from centrist or progressive camps and others perceived as closer to the president.
The situation grew more complicated when Torres’ resignation appeared to be rejected. In that case, the president could maintain the cabinet as is, while proceeding to reshuffle ministers without forming a new cabinet. By denying the resignation, Castillo sidestepped a possible no confidence vote from Congress, a move that has attracted broad skepticism within Parliament and sparked extensive political debate about the path forward for the administration. In Peru’s current political landscape, these dynamics influence who might ultimately lead the next cabinet and how the government will address ongoing governance challenges.
Observers note that the episode highlights the fragility of political coalitions and the difficulty of stabilizing Peru’s executive branch amid investigations and public scrutiny. Analysts suggest that any potential cabinet changes will hinge on concessions among ruling factions and on the presidency’s ability to secure parliamentary support for future proposals. As the nation watches, the administration continues to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining continuity in leadership and responding to calls for greater accountability and reform. The outcome of these developments will shape Peru’s governance, the priorities of its public institutions, and the lived realities of citizens across the country. For now, the government remains focused on advancing its stated agenda while managing the political signals emanating from Congress and the judiciary. In this evolving scenario, the leadership team will need to communicate clearly about plans, timelines, and the criteria guiding future appointments, to restore confidence and ensure stable governance for the months ahead. [Citation: Political analysis and local media reports]