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Peru: President announces cabinet reshuffle

14:39 | Lima, Aug. 4.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Tuesday afternoon announced the formation of a new Ministerial Cabinet, adding that Congress' decision not to grant its confidence to the team of ministers —which had been led by Pedro Cateriano since July 15— generates unnecessary uncertainty.

The Cabinet received 37 votes in favor, 54 against, and 34 abstentions at the end of the plenary session, which began on Monday morning and was concluded early Tuesday morning.

In a televised address to the nation, the Head of State affirmed that the Government will overcome this crisis and lead the country to a better future.

"Denying the confidence to a recently renewed Ministerial Cabinet —which has promoted dialogue, built bridges and sought consensus— means denying Peruvians their right to move forward," he expressed.

"This is not the time to play with the destiny of the country. Respectful of the laws, as I have always been, and in accordance with Article 133 of the Constitution, I accept the decision that Congress made today, and I will form a (new) cabinet within the time period set by law," he emphasized.

The top official assured that the Executive Branch will continue facing the pandemic, generating equitable and sustainable economic growth, strengthening institutions, fighting corruption, as well as seeking the development and well-being of the population.

"We are not going to give up on defending the interests of Peruvians, nor are we going to enter into negotiations behind the backs of citizens," he stressed.

The statesman recalled that —days before the Cabinet presentation at Congress— all parties were willing to settle their disagreements and work together for the sake of the nation, including the fight against the pandemic, in order to leave the country in better conditions for the Independence Bicentennial in 2021.

"(...) Long hours of debate showed everyone that, for the majority of the representatives, private interests prevail over those of the nation," he stated.

As Mr. Vizcarra mentioned, bad politics attempted to frustrate the referendum, and today these methods have —once again— manifested themselves openly and defiantly in circumstances when unity, maturity and responsibility are demanded.

"Despite the crisis, Congress decided to add another political crisis to the detriment of all. Politics cannot be an obstacle to the country's path (towards development)," he said.

Furthermore, the President pledged to continue supporting the university reform "because young people are the present and future, and they deserve to have high-quality education. The university reform is not negotiable."

"Thus, my commitment remains unscathed to build a better country, and I will do so until July 28, 2021," he underlined.

Mr. Vizcarra also thanked Pedro Cateriano for the services rendered to the nation.

The President made these remarks in a televised address to the nation from the Government Palace in Lima.

It must be noted that constitutionalists and political analysts have criticized the performance of Parliament for not having granted the confidence to the team of ministers.

In fact, they deemed it as irresponsible, as it generates a situation of unnecessary political instability in the midst of a health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Largas horas de debate demostraron, una vez más, a todos los peruanos, que para la mayoría de nuestros representantes, los intereses particulares priman sobre los intereses de la nación. pic.twitter.com/sBYwMg9znD
— Presidencia Perú (@presidenciaperu) August 4, 2020