Andina

Peru President reiterates willingness to support regions combating corruption

10:35 | Piura (Piura region), Dec. 28.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra has reaffirmed his readiness to support regional, as well as local governments across the country, and said the only requirement is to root out any forms of corruption.

"You've got my support, but there's one condition: a corruption-free work environment," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of Luis Antonio Eguiguren Bridge in Piura region on Thursday.

The Head of State assured that the only way a sound foundation can be laid for the country's development is by rooting out corruption.

This, in turn, will enable the reforms demanded by the population in order to strengthen democracy and institutions.

"If this is achieved, we are going to have the country we need," the statesman added.

He said that just as he supported ongoing governors and mayors' administrations, he pledges to work in close coordination with newly-elected authorities, whose term will start on January 1.

The Peruvian leader recalled that right after he had taken office, he headed to northern Piura region to assess the situation of those affected by Coastal El Niño weather event occurred last year.

Even though he underlined the difficulties attached to a reconstruction process after a devastating climate phenomenon, he thinks this goal should be feasible if authorities at three levels of government work together.

According to the Commander-in-Chief, this year alone, the Executive transferred S/1.3 billion (about US$385 million) to Piura, but only 35% of this amount has been spent given that technical files were not ready until now.

However, he explained, the remaining 65% of the transfer will not go to waste since it will be available for incoming authorities starting January 1, 2019.

(END) CCR/RMB/MVB

Published: 12/28/2018