ONLINE EVENT: Is Peru’s Democracy at Risk?
Peru has long been characterized by political fragility; with seven presidents in the past eight years, many are worried about the deepening erosion of the rule of law. President Dina Boluarte, who assumed office following a failed self-coup by Pedro Castillo in December 2022, has been aligning with an informal, inter-party alliance of lawmakers intent on consolidating Congressional power, entrenching personal interests, and controlling the judiciary.
Approval ratings for both Boluarte and Congress languish in the single digits, while calls from Peruvians for early elections, originally slated for 2026, have gone unheeded. Widespread disaffection has been fueled by credible allegations of human rights violations and corruption scandals. Although the Peruvian economy is expected to recover after last year’s recession, economic and societal conditions are dire, with decreased agricultural production and rising poverty. The social unrest has resulted in rising security concerns and a spike in migration.
What is the nature of Peru’s current political and institutional crisis? How does this fit into a regional context? What are possible turning points for accelerating democratic backsliding or, alternatively, renewal? How does Peru’s business community view the political crisis and what role can they play in strengthening the rule of law?
To address these questions and more, the Inter-American Dialogue is pleased to host an online discussion with analysts and former policy officials on May 7, from 10:00 to 11:15 am EDT.
OPENING REMARKS
REBECCA BILL CHAVEZ
President and CEO, Inter-American Dialogue (@RebeccaBillChav)
PRESENTERS
WILL FREEMAN
Fellow for Latin America studies, Council on Foreign Relations (@WillGFreeman)
CAROLINA TRIVELLI
Senior Researcher, Instituto de Estudios Peruanos (IEP)
GINO COSTA
Former Member of Congress and Former Interior Minister, Peru (@CostaGino)
MODERATOR
MICHAEL SHIFTER
Senior Fellow, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)