Crisis in Peru Libre: Flavio Cruz defends Vladimir Cerrón, a fugitive from justice.

The situation surrounding Vladimir Cerrón, former governor of Junín and leader of the party Perú Libre, is complicated by the recent statements made by Flavio Cruz. This congressman has emphatically stated that his caucus is committed to "politically protecting" Cerrón, who has been a fugitive from justice since last year. This unconditional support raises serious questions about the internal dynamics of the party and its legal implications. During an interview granted to Exitosa, Cruz did not hesitate to express his backing for Cerrón, stating that "he is protecting his life and his freedom." Such statements highlight the loyalty that some party members feel towards their leader, despite the multiple accusations he faces, including corruption and other irregularities. Cruz's insistence that his support is based on political protection resonates in a context where the Peruvian judicial and political systems are under constant scrutiny. As the investigation into Kelly Portalatino, a congresswoman also involved in alleged cover-up cases, progresses, Cruz's position seems to challenge established norms. When questioned about the legality of protecting a fugitive, he downplayed the seriousness of the situation by claiming it was merely an opinion. "When the conduct falls within the crime," he asserted, suggesting that defending Cerrón is not a criminal act in itself. However, this argument is questionable. From a legal perspective, offering support to a fugitive could incur legal complications for those who do so. The prosecution has decided to summon Portalatino to testify, increasing the pressure on Perú Libre members and highlighting the tense relationship between the party and the justice system. Cruz's words, stating that "a prosecutor, for every stone that is moved, will not open a case file," could be interpreted as a defiant minimization of the law's power. Political support for Cerrón is also seen as an attempt to unify the caucus during times of crisis. Cruz emphasized the need to "defend our political line, our party, our caucus," suggesting that the party is in a fragile situation and needs to unify its stance in the face of adversity. However, this could cost them in terms of credibility, both before the public and in judicial instances. The former governor has been a polarizing figure in Peruvian politics, and his current situation could further intensify divisions in the country. Cruz's statement also opens up a debate about the role of political parties in protecting their members, especially those facing legal troubles. Should parties take responsibility for defending those facing serious accusations? This question becomes pertinent in a context where corruption has been a recurring theme in Peruvian politics. On the other hand, Cruz's exhortation to the Public Ministry to act with "objectivity" in the investigation of Portalatino can be interpreted as an attempt to divert attention. The recent history of Perú Libre is marked by accusations of corruption and lack of transparency, making the call for objectivity viewed with skepticism by many sectors of society. Cerrón's figure remains a factor of instability for Perú Libre, and his physical absence does not seem to diminish the fervor of his supporters. Cruz's statements illustrate how political loyalty can lead to the denial of uncomfortable realities. As long as the former governor remains in hiding, uncertainty and tension will continue to characterize the party. In summary, the current situation of Vladimir Cerrón and the support from Flavio Cruz highlight the complexity of Peruvian politics. With a judicial landscape that is becoming more complicated and public pressure for greater accountability, the defense of Cerrón by his caucus reminds us that politics is not only about power and strategy but also about the ethical responsibility that those who represent it must assume. The future of Perú Libre and its ability to confront these challenges will determine its relevance in the country's political landscape.