Andina

Peru President: Executive Branch to introduce confidence motion

18:29 | Lima, May. 29.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Wednesday evening announced his administration has decided to submit a confidence motion to Congress linked to the State policies aimed at institutionally strengthening the country and fighting corruption.

He said that —by putting Peruvians as witnesses, respecting the democratic system, and in strict compliance with the powers conferred by the Constitution— his administration decided to submit a confidence motion regarding the State policies of institutional strengthening and fight against corruption, included in the expected approval of five bills, without violating their essence.

The projects in question are parliamentary immunity, banning sentenced people from becoming candidates for public office, allowing the population to participate in the selection of candidates at primary elections, removing the preferential vote, guaranteeing the political participation of women —by relying on parity and alternation—, and prohibiting dirty money from entering the political campaigns.

The Head of State noted that he was addressing the population following a series of "events and decisions that Congress has been leading," such as the "shameless shielding" —by the Congress' majority— to prevent ex-Attorney General Pedro Chavarry from being investigated.

"In the face of such a boycott against the anti-corruption fight, the government and citizens cannot remain uninvolved and fail to express the deep concern that this causes among us. A parliamentary majority, once again, continues to turn its back on the citizens, thus damaging the country. How far do you want to go?" he stated.

The statesman recalled that when he assumed the Presidency of the Republic in March 2018, he asked everyone to put Peru first and firmly undertake the fight against corruption, a subject that became the central axis of his administration's policy and became State policy.

Likewise, he said that when the "Audios of Shame" were revealed, the country witnessed the existence of a corruption-privileges network that went across all the State powers, infecting the justice system. Therefore, he established a high-level commission for justice reform.

"We know that Congress is used to doing maneuvers to shield those who may have committed corruption acts, therefore evidencing an unacceptable pact of impunity," the President said.

"Citizens have expressed it bluntly, but there are some who do not want to understand that message. They want to continue protecting corruption, and they resist any reform for survival reasons, as was shown in the chat messages we witnessed," he added.

Furthermore, the Head of State noted that his administration's decision to change the political and judicial system affects the interests of groups that are protected by unscrupulous politicians, who —jointly— defend their interests at the expense of Peruvians.

Moreover, the top official questioned the fact that Parliament's Constitution Commission quickly shelved the bill proposing that the Supreme Court lift parliamentary immunity, a law that would have prevented the escape of legislators sentenced for corruption offenses.

"Using different strategies, they (Congress members) are distorting the political reform in order to protect themselves, to shield impunity, and to prevent citizens from fully participating (…). We cannot allow this," he stated.

He also argued that the congressional majority hurts all Peruvians in order to defend a few people, thus "betraying citizens and favoring privileges, as well as corruption, at the expense of everyone's future."

"We are not going to allow that, once again with their tricks, they impede the reforms the country needs. No more shielding. Stop using the law to protect corruption. The Legislative Branch representatives were elected to represent all Peruvians rather than to advocate the status quo and corrupt schemes," the top official pointed out.

That fight will continue until the end, because Peru deserves it, he concluded.

Remarks were made during a live address to the nation from Lima-based Government Palace. Peru's top official was joined by members of his cabinet and regional governors on the occasion.

The Peruvian Constitution allows an acting President to close Congress and call for new legislative elections if Parliament dismisses two cabinets.

As is known, the current Congress had already granted a no-confidence vote to a former cabinet in September 2017. At that time, Mr. Vizcarra was serving as Vice-President.

(END) CCR/FHG/DTK/MVB

Published: 5/29/2019