Peru faced undeniable strain, and the president, Pedro Castillo, acknowledged the mounting challenge. The admission carried weight beyond rhetoric. The political crisis intensified due to a mix of internal fragilities and the initial economic impact of global events, including the ripple effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a country that relies heavily on imported oil, rising fuel prices added fuel to public discontent. Living costs climbed, governance appeared inconsistent, and poverty touched a sizable portion of the population while the informal economy stretched to cover a large share of workers. Protests surfaced, giving shape to a widespread demand for change.
Discontent spread across regions. Farmers and transporters pushed for favorable fertilizer prices, and other social groups joined the demonstrations. Casualties occurred as unrest persisted. Castillo and his team traveled to Huancayo, about 300 kilometers from Lima, in a bid to signal stability in government operations. Yet tensions remained, and future street pressures were anticipated. Congress member María del Carmen Alva warned of the need for leadership changes as a possible exit.
Eight months of turmoil
Castillo, a former union organizer who led Free Peru, a traditional left-wing party, won the presidency after a tight race that ended with a narrow majority in the second round over a right-leaning rival. The slender victory foreshadowed the many hurdles ahead: he assumed office on July 28 of the previous year without a parliamentary majority and faced impeachment threats. Initial ambitions leaned toward a more leftist program.
Over time, four prime ministers resigned, and a string of domestic crises followed, with shifts across key state institutions. The government rebalanced itself by appointing ministers from a range of ideological backgrounds, a move that left some allies feeling betrayed and others wary of who truly guided policy.
Two motions of no confidence
Instability became a recurring theme for Castillo in the months that followed. He narrowly avoided a condemnatory motion backed by conservative forces in December and faced a similar vote soon after. A state of emergency imposed in the capital and neighboring Callao, though momentarily announced, was rescinded amid broad public support, reflecting the volatility surrounding his mandate.
A recent Datun poll reported that about 60% of respondents favored his resignation, while around 19% expressed approval of the president. A major daily newspaper captured the mood with a front-page headline suggesting the president no longer stood tall in public perception, a sentiment echoed across many media outlets.
Court cases
The legal spotlight widened for Castillo. Investigations probed alleged influence trading, and prosecutors pressed for measures against relatives connected to the inner circle. An arrest warrant targeted a former presidential secretary for a separate alleged offense. Analysts suggested that testimony could accelerate shifts in the political landscape if a key figure chose to cooperate in court.
Uncertain scenario
Peru’s political landscape remained unpredictable. The prime minister observed that the country had experienced multiple presidencies and congresses within a short span. The absence of robust infrastructure was cited as a barrier to development, with transportation networks described as vital lifelines for growth. A historical analogy contrasted Peru with European powers that built expansive road and rail networks, underscoring the link between infrastructure and national progress.