Overview of Peru’s political climate and its diaspora in Spain
About 270,000 Peruvians are registered in Spain, and this number has risen substantially as Peru has faced persistent political turmoil. In recent years, the country endured a rapid turnover of leadership, with five presidents within four years. The most recent president, Pedro Castillo, remains imprisoned after an incident described by opponents as a self-inflicted coup last December.
Francisco Sagasti, a centrist reformer from Lima born in 1944, led Peru during 2020 to 2021. He has connections with the Club of Madrid, an organization that gathers more than one hundred former heads of state and government. In discussions at the club’s headquarters, Sagasti shared his perspective on Peru’s political trajectory and its larger regional implications.
They say you resemble Don Quixote. Is that accurate?
He is a practical Don Quixote, focused on ideas and the future while keeping both feet on the ground. The aim is to ensure that proposals to improve lives can be implemented in the short term. Idealistic quests are admirable, but not enough on their own.
Is Peru currently experiencing political collapse?
This is part of a broader trend seen across many nations where political parties struggle to mediate between citizens and authority. The traditional role of parties is weakening as societies move away from conventional political intermediaries.
Castillo’s incarceration nine months after his removal. How should this be assessed?
Castillo’s approach to power did not align with established democratic norms or integrity. The actions taken were widely viewed as diverging from institutional rules and standards.
From your view, was this a self-coup?
Definitely, it meets the definition of a self-coup in which the sitting leadership undermines constitutional processes.
Dina Boluarte’s leadership faces scrutiny by prosecutors over the suppression of protests supporting Castillo. What is your assessment?
Protests involved a broad coalition and reflected discontent about multiple issues. The pressure on authorities was intense, and the response to public demonstrations became a point of major contention in the country.
Are elections likely to occur soon?
Forecasts vary. Some advocate early elections as a stabilizing step, arguing that a new congress and presidency could restore balance. Others worry about potential instability. The core view is that a well-timed vote could offer a constructive path forward rather than prolonging volatility.
How significant is the USA–China rivalry for Peru?
The geopolitical tension between the United States and China affects many regions. Peru faces this dynamic as one factor among others. A government that understands how to leverage Peru’s position can protect the country’s autonomy and decision-making space without surrendering strategic interests to any external power.
Which is Peru’s central problem: poverty, corruption, or political instability?
These issues intertwine. Poverty cannot be solved without improving security and reducing inequality. Government revenue is currently insufficient to fund essential social and security services. Insecurity adds a heavy burden to everyday life.
What about emigration and the minds leaving Peru?
In the past year, hundreds of thousands left Peru for better prospects. The exodus includes many skilled individuals, which poses a challenge for both the public and private sectors at home. The country risks losing some of its most capable contributors to the future.
Is today the maximum level of emigration?
The current wave mirrors the turbulence seen in Peru during the late 1980s. There is concern that the rate could intensify. Caution and policy responses will shape the trajectory in the near term.
What hope can be offered to the more than a quarter of a million Peruvians registered in Spain?
Studying Spain’s political and social environment, these Peruvians may bring valuable experience back home. A renewed investment in public life is needed, one that prioritizes integrity and public service over personal or narrow interests that currently dull political life.
What about Europe’s role in Latin America?
Europe and the United States are natural partners for Latin America. The region is rich in resources and culture, and it hosts a wide range of biodiversity. A true diversity of diversity marks South America, including Peru. Collaboration in scientific, technological, cultural, and economic fields offers a strategic opportunity for both sides. China is unlikely to replace this cooperative dynamic.
What did the latest European summit with Latin America emphasize?
Beyond materials, there is a desire to promote broad cooperation. From the southern cone to the Andes, there is a shared language and a demographic window where a larger working-age population can support growth. Europe and the Americas should seek comprehensive agreements that cover culture, science, investment, commerce, and social development. This represents a meaningful chance to deepen ties and cooperation that extend beyond raw material trade.