Peru’s Congress voted to dismiss Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez due to his inadequate response to increasing violence, including the recent murder of singer Paul Flores. Following public outcry, President Boluarte declared a state of emergency. Homicide rates have surged, raising major concerns about public safety in the country.
On Friday, Peru’s Congress voted overwhelmingly to remove Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez from office due to his failure to effectively combat rising violent crime in the nation. The no-confidence vote passed with 78 votes in favor, 11 against, and 20 abstentions. Despite Santiváñez’s claims of diligently working with police during his tenure, he affirmed that he would abide by the decision of Congress.
Following a recent surge in public outrage over violence, particularly the murder of Paul Flores, a notable singer, Santiváñez was held accountable for the prevailing climate of insecurity. Congress stated that he must take responsibility for his “inability to address the wave of citizen insecurity the country is facing.”
In light of the growing violence, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in the capital following Flores’s tragic death. This followed a previous state of emergency enforced from September to December, aimed at curbing violence. Notably, homicide statistics rose significantly, with 2,057 killings reported in 2024, compared to 1,506 in 2023.
The removal of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat rising violent crime in Peru. The government’s response, including President Boluarte’s declaration of a state of emergency, reflects heightened public concern over citizen safety. As violence continues to escalate, the accountability placed on leaders is crucial to restoring order and safety in the nation.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
