Peru’s Political Crisis Extends Beyond Castillo’s Impeachment

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Peru’s Political Crisis Continues Beyond Castillo’s Impeachment

The turmoil in Peru shows no sign of easing after the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo. In a bid to placate the right and stabilize the government, Dina Boluarte sought to keep the administration within the constitutional deadline through 2026 and waited for the right moment to respond to the call for an early election. The situation remains tense as discussions about a accelerated transition intensify across political channels.

From the outset, even as Boluarte urged broad unity and dialogue among all political forces, analysts questioned how long any ceasefire or temporary truce might hold. On assuming office at Palacio de Gobierno, she faced advice to speed up the transition. She acknowledged that opinions favoring early elections exist and deserve democratic consideration, yet she asserted that the path forward would be crafted in coordination with all organizations to better steer the country’s future.

The idea of early elections unsettles lawmakers who fear losing their seats, yet Peruvian elites are prepared to pivot agendas. A major national newspaper argued that the end of Castillo would not erase structural problems. The priority, it suggested, should be restoring stability in 2023 and paving the way for economic growth. It urged Boluarte and political opponents to seriously assess the current interim government rather than awaiting Castillo’s term completion.

Newspapers in Lima noted the lack of a stable party base and a solid platform in a Parliament that has seen four presidents since 2018. This fragility pushes Boluarte to quickly secure support elsewhere. One analyst advised trusting regional governors as a practical move given the current political dynamics. The initial test of Boluarte’s resolve will come with the composition of her cabinet and the appointment of a prime minister who can gain legislative approval. A columnist in a major business paper suggested choosing someone who can genuinely connect with popular representation and address the asymmetry in a Congress seen as hostile and divided.

A Shadow Over Castillo and Regional Echoes

Beyond reestablishing ties with political parties, Boluarte faced actions meant to clean up the previous administration. One early move was to hand over documents found in Castillo’s office to the prosecutor’s office. The former president spent his first night in detention as prosecutors prepared charges. The dramatic moment echoed a historic action by a previous Peruvian leader, whose bold move against Congress in the early 1990s reshaped the country’s political landscape.

Castillo remained detained with proceedings looming on charges of sedition. A possible prison sentence of up to two decades could arise from these charges. The latest turn in the saga highlights how fragile Peru’s political order remains when leaders confront internal constitutional crises. With ministers and the army largely withdrawing their support, Castillo departed the government complex with family and personal belongings in tow, seeking refuge and safety as legal processes moved forward. The Mexican government later confirmed ongoing negotiations for asylum or safe passage, reflecting the broader regional dimension of the crisis.

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