“Those who suffer injustice must firmly defend their rights to safeguard their dignity, a gift from God. Forgiveness does not mean impunity…” (Fratelli Tutti)
Peru has been one of the countries in the Latin American region most affected economically and the COVID-19 pandemic caused the collapse of the health system. The total number of deaths, according to official figures was 36,000 at the end of November 2020. However, some analysts point out that the total number of fatalities could be between 80,000 and 100.000.
In the midst of this reality, the Congress of Peru decided on November 9th to impeach President Martín Vizcarra. The initiative was prompted by accusations of corruption against the President for alleged events that occurred during his time as governor of the southern region of Moquegua (2011 – 2014). President Martin Vizcarra pointed out that possibly the congressmen could be making use of the presidential impeachment to hide their own investigations for “personal interests.”
The position was filled by the President of Congress, Manuel Merino, on November 10th.
All these events provoked intense protests in Lima and other cities in Peru. From November 9th tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest. The majority of them, young and female, were demanding an end to corruption. On November 14th after several days of protests dozens were injured and two young people were killed, victims of the repression.
Given these events, several political leaders called for Merino’s resignation and several ministers submitted their resignations. Merino, who in less than a week after being sworn in as President faced his own institutional and social crisis and he resigned on Sunday, November 15th.
Notably, the vacancy could be perceived as a “coup” and with a view to jeopardize, for personal gain, the future elections scheduled for April 11th, 2021.
On Monday 16th Congressman Francisco Sagasti was elected President of the Board of Directors of Congress and became the transitional and emergency President of the Republic until July 28th 2021.
Sagasti is the third President the country has had in just over a week.
A few weeks later, a new (and at the same time old) crisis erupted demanding justice in the agro-industrial sector in Ica and La Libertad. As a result of these demands and demonstrations, the death of a young man in La Libertad was reported.
It is regrettable that human lives are lost in the just fight for decent work. While it is true that congress repealed the controversial Agrarian Law 27360, there are still many inconsistencies in this regard.
Our country faces an uncertain future due to the political, social and economic crisis. Some analysts said that the country is facing the worst economic crisis in the last 100 years. Added to it is the threat of a new wave of COVID-19.
In the midst of this reality, however, hope is born. Hope is born in the youth who took to the streets… It is born in the proper use of social networks promoting a democratic conscience… It is born in those who say “enough of corruption”… It is born in those who offered their lives for a more just country… Hope is born in the Church and in the Conference of Religious of Peru who accompany this struggle with their prophetic voice and the testimony of their presence… Hope is born with a spirit of dialogue between the government and the families of the victims… It is born in the wearing of the face mask… It is born in prayer and in solidarity… Hope is born in living like brothers and sisters.
As in Bethlehem, hope continues to be reborn wherever people “defend their rights to safeguard their dignity”.
Erika Minano Lopez
Peru
Southern Province
