Boluarte's Speech on National Holidays: Empty Promises and Lack of Clear Proposals

The presentation of President Dina Boluarte in the hemicycle of Congress during the National Holidays has left a bittersweet taste in Peruvian politics. Despite moderate expectations, the speech extended for five long hours, even surpassing the duration of last year's address. This excessive length, far from enriching the content, ended up diluting the few announcements that could have generated interest or hope among citizens. In this context, it is important to highlight that the most notable announcement was the proposal to create a new Ministry of Infrastructure, which would manage a budget of approximately 17 billion soles. While the idea of a ministry dedicated to infrastructure is not inherently negative and has worked in other countries, the Peruvian experience suggests that this new entity could face the same obstacles that have limited the success of ministries dedicated to construction and sanitation. The concern is that this new ministry could become a breeding ground for corruption, especially given its considerable budget. One of the most anticipated topics in the speech was citizen security policy, but once again, the president left the public empty-handed. Despite presenting seemingly impressive figures regarding the dismantling of criminal gangs, no concrete plans were offered to address the growing insecurity in the streets. References to programs like Amanecer Seguro and Retorno Seguro are insufficient in the face of the serious challenges the country faces in this area. Furthermore, any criticism of the Legislative Branch regarding its role in facilitating the continuity of criminal economies, such as illegal mining, was conspicuously absent. President Boluarte also took on a victim's role concerning the corruption scandals that have marked her administration. In a particularly curious passage, she criticized the administration of Pedro Castillo, of which she was a part as minister. This lack of self-criticism is not only surprising but also highlights a disconnect from reality, as she herself has been part of the framework she now denounces. The presence of her brother, Nicanor Boluarte, in the audience during her speech—a man facing multiple corruption investigations—reinforces the perception that the president's environment is far from transparent. This speech, which was supposed to serve as a management report and a roadmap for the future, ended up becoming a monologue that barely connected with the most pressing concerns of Peruvians. The president seems to have missed the opportunity to use the platform to build bridges, offer solutions, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability. The political context of the country, marked by distrust towards institutions and citizens demanding significant changes, requires more than empty words. Citizens expect leadership that not only informs but also proposes concrete and effective actions. However, what was witnessed in the hemicycle was a display of rhetoric without substance. The lack of self-criticism and the inability to present a clear plan to tackle the security crisis and other social issues have left the question hanging as to whether President Boluarte truly understands the magnitude of the challenges her administration faces. This speech is nothing more than an echo of empty promises that have become the norm in Peruvian politics. It is evident that, after multiple crises and a year of controversial management, the president cannot continue to evade her responsibility in public administration. History will remember her National Holidays speech as an illustration of what happens when one speaks a lot but says little. In politics, words must be accompanied by actions, and the time for those actions is now. The public's expectation is not limited to a well-crafted speech; it translates into the need for effective reforms and a genuine commitment to the fight against corruption and the improvement of the quality of life for all Peruvians. Trusting that President Boluarte's words will transform into real actions is a challenge that has so far meant more distrust than hope.