The new President of the Republic, Jose Maria Balcazar, guaranteed free elections, economic continuity, the fight against citizen insecurity, and a democratic transition of government in his address to the nation after
"First, to assure the people of Peru that there will be a peaceful, transparent democratic, and electoral transition, leaving no room for doubt about the elections," Balcazar stated.
Second, the Head of State said there would be genuine pacification, with ministries capable of confronting citizen insecurity.
"I realize the issue is not being addressed as it should be," he pointed out.
The top official said a reform of the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE), for example, must involve the Public Ministry (Prosecutor's Office), the Judiciary, the Justice Ministry, criminology institutes, and universities.
"Organized crime is no longer what it traditionally was; the Tren de Aragua has connotations of international terrorism. That is why it should be punished in any country in the world," he stated.
In that context, the President noted his aim is to appoint an effective Interior minister, adding that he will call on the best professionals and individuals to join the effort to restore calm to the country.
Regarding the economy, the Head of State guaranteed continuity.
The top official said he will hold talks with the economy minister and Central Reserve Bank Governor Julio Velarde to achieve economic improvement.
"There are matters that cannot wait. Social debts remain stalled within the Executive Branch, including those involving Peru's great teachers, and we will address that. Broadly speaking, what I want is for the country to understand that I am not coming here with the intention of changing the course," Balcazar expressed.
"We will all work to ensure the elections are as clean as possible and that we can count on new representatives," he added.
Lastly, the President invited members of Congress to work jointly and to establish a rapid channel of communication to address the country's problems, which he said has all the conditions needed for improvement.
"We must bring together the most clear-minded people in political parties and in Congress. That is why I am here tonight, in all modesty, to conclude by thanking you. I will come to speak with you, because dialogue is essential; without it, there is nothing," he concluded.