Combatting inequalities

Anita Moore, Emmaus international Board member for the Americas region: "This situation is affecting us all."

Anita Moore, Emmaus international Board member for the Americas region:

What has the general situation in Peru been like in recent days?

The events of the past few days in Peru are a consequence of the continuous errors made by politicians elected to the presidency and Congress.

Over the last few years, our citizens have not developed political awareness for analysis and proposals and we have let corruption take hold in all areas of the country.

Currently, in the face of constant conflict between the executive and legislative powers, our country has been plunged into a turmoil of misrule and suffered an attempted coup by a leader fearful of corruption allegations that implicate him, his family and political cronies.

We now have a new president, Dina Boularte, who took office in accordance with the established legislation, but who is also facing a backlash from a section of the population, whose protests have been infiltrated by violent demonstrators. This has forced the military to intervene, resulting in 30 deaths and more than 200 wounded, including police officers.

It is difficult to assess the events that continue to unfold and that in some way leave us bereft of ideologies as we witness our representatives succumb to corruption and hunger for power, turning their backs on the people that they mention so often in their speeches.

A political truce is needed to end the crisis. Similarly, there is an urgent need to hold new elections in early 2024 which will require constitutional reform. This will depend on the president’s ability to lead a government and find a solution to the economic and food crises that the country is facing.

How are people coping with this situation?

People are very angry with politicians. We are speaking out to demand transparency, an inquiry and to condemn corrupted officials, to dissolve the current Congress, due to its inability to legislate, scrutinise and, above all, condemn corruption. There are very few exceptions of representatives dedicated to serving the people.

It is important to understand that the Peruvian political process does not stop there. We are also calling on political powers to act maturely to face what lies ahead and make reforms that go beyond party interests.

How are the groups managing and what impact is it having on the Emmaus groups in Peru?

In reality, this situation is affecting us all. Economic growth has been threatened as the principal driving force of the country, the exchange rate has risen and we’ve witnessed increased protests and road closures due to the demonstrations. As a result, activities have been paralysed, leading to shortages of basic necessities and increasing the end prices of products, further undermining the poorest people’s access to basic goods.

Today, more than ever, the Peruvian groups are working and serving with our limited resources, aware of the need to continue contributing to the development of citizens’ social and political awareness, starting with our companions and sharing this initiative with the national organisation.

We shall keep living and fighting to move our country forward.