We demand an end to the repression in Peru and fair elections.
Peru is suffering an unprecedented political and institutional crisis, plagued by corruption at all levels, particularly within the political class. Former dictator Fujimori left behind a constitution detrimental to the country's interests, and he destroyed public education and healthcare, the consequences of which are corroborated by the low OECD school performance index and the fact that Peru has the highest per capita COVID-19 death rate in the world. Fujimori privatized healthcare, education, and transportation services left and right, and allowed the influx of obsolete vehicles that now flood the road, a problem no mayor or minister has been able to control, making Lima the most polluted capital in Latin America. The years of terror and repression swelled the cities, and to survive, residents turned to the informal economy; 70% of employment in Peru is informal.
Simultaneously, mining, oil, and agribusiness companies arrived in Peru. Peru is extremely rich in mineral resources, which represent 60% of its exports by value, while socio-environmental conflicts multiplied, now accounting for 60-70% of the social conflicts registered by the Ombudsman's Office. Thirty percent of Peruvians are at risk of having heavy metals in their blood (official figures from the Ministry of Health). All these investments were made at the expense of the people, with widespread violence, displacement, and land grabbing.
Peru never ceased to be racist and never integrated its indigenous population despite its declaration of independence. The elites isolated themselves in their Eurocentrism, despising the population, the vast majority of whom were from the provinces and lived in areas of mineral, oil, timber, agribusiness, drug trafficking, and other industries. The corruption scandals of five presidents and members of Congress constantly plagued the press, and the population, fed up with so much corruption, began to cry out. Peru ranks 105th out of 180 countries in the International Corruption Perceptions Index. Nevertheless, a small provincial bourgeoisie emerged and gained power, albeit with great difficulty due to accusations of fraud against their rival, Keiko Fujimori, daughter of a former dictator and representative of big business. Unfortunately, the elected president, Castillo, was not up to the task and was also surrounded by corruption scandals and a largely unprepared cabinet. This was exploited by the corrupt congress to start a battle using the presidential vacancy mechanism granted by the 1993 constitution.
In an unexpected turn of events, on December 7th, President Castillo staged a self-coup almost single-handedly. Congress immediately seized upon this to impeach him, arrest him, and now order his preventive detention for 18 months. Vice President Boluarte assumed the presidency, and instead of responding to the popular outcry demanding the closure of Congress due to corruption scandals and other issues, she intends to extend her term until 2026. This ignited a spark of unrest, and Peruvians took to the streets, fed up with corruption, racist rhetoric, insecurity, sensationalist media, and an elite and capital that live with their backs turned to the country. Sadly, the marches were repressed, and acts of vandalism occurred that must be investigated. As her only response, Ms. Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency, and yesterday, eight more people were killed by live ammunition fired by the military.
that occupy the city of Ayacucho.
From the GT Political Ecology(s) From the South/Abya YalaWe stand in solidarity with the Peruvian people and demand an end to the state of emergency and an end to the violence. We support the call for new elections as soon as possible, the prohibition of re-election for members of Congress, and fair and democratic elections that represent the Peruvian people. We condemn all expressions of racism and classism.
December 21th 2022
CLACSO Working Group
Political Ecology(ies) From the South/Abya Yala
This statement expresses the position of the Working Group Political Ecology(ies) From the South/Abya Yala and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
