Peru’s Congress voted to dismiss Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez due to his failure to adequately address rising violent crime. The decision followed public outrage after the murder of cumbia singer Paul Flores and led President Dina Boluarte to declare a state of emergency in Lima. 2024 has seen a significant increase in killings compared to previous years, prompting the need for more effective security measures.
On Friday, Peru’s Congress voted decisively to remove Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez from office, attributing his ousting to his inadequate response to the escalating violent crime. The no-confidence vote concluded with 78 votes in favor, 11 opposing, and 20 abstaining. Santiváñez, who has been in office for ten months, stated that he had endeavored to collaborate with police but would honor the congress’s decision.
The congress emphasized Santiváñez’s need to resign due to his inability to manage the rising insecurity affecting citizens. Public unrest has intensified following the recent murder of Paul Flores, the lead singer of the cumbia band Armonia 10, who was tragically shot while on tour in Lima.
In response to this spike in violence, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in the capital, deploying soldiers to assist police forces in combating crime. This declaration followed a previous state of emergency instituted from September to December aimed at curbing violence.
Authorities reported a staggering 2,057 homicides in 2024, a marked increase from 1,506 in 2023, reflecting the pressing need for decisive action against escalating violence in the country.
The recent ousting of Peru’s Interior Minister highlights widespread concerns about rising violence and insecurity linked to the surge in homicides. This significant political shift, driven by public demand for accountability and effective governance, reflects an urgent call for improved law enforcement and safety measures amid escalating crime rates in Peru.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
