Peru’s Congress has voted to dismiss Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez due to his inadequate management of escalating violent crime. Following public outrage over increased killings, including the recent murder of a prominent musician, President Dina Boluarte has declared a state of emergency and deployed military personnel to aid police efforts. Homicides have surged in 2024 compared to the previous year.
On Friday, Peru’s Congress voted to remove Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez due to his inadequate response to rising violent crime in the country. The motion passed with 78 votes in favor, 11 against, and 20 abstentions, and Santiváñez now has 72 hours to vacate his position. He stated his respect for the decision, asserting his commitment to working alongside the police during his tenure, which spanned ten months.
The decision to oust Santiváñez follows growing public outrage over increasing violence, particularly after the fatal shooting of Paul Flores, the lead singer of Armonia 10, following a concert in Lima. This incident intensified concerns regarding public safety, prompting President Dina Boluarte to declare a state of emergency in Lima and deploy soldiers to assist the police.
Prior to this recent decision, Boluarte’s government had already implemented a state of emergency from September to December with the objective of tackling the escalating violence. Authorities reported that fatalities in Peru reached 2,057 in 2024, a notable increase from 1,506 in 2023, underlining the serious security challenges the country is facing.
The recent removal of Peru’s Interior Minister highlights significant public concern over rising violence and crime in the nation. The failure to effectively address safety issues, particularly in light of the tragic killing of a notable musician, has driven government actions including a state of emergency. With a sharp increase in homicides reported, the situation remains critical, necessitating swift and effective responses from the authorities.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
