Controversy over possible pension for Fujimori sparks tensions in the Peruvian Congress.

The recent statement by the President of Congress, Eduardo Salhuana, has sparked a new debate in the Peruvian political arena regarding the granting of a pension to Alberto Fujimori, the former president of the country. According to Salhuana, it is "likely" that Alejandro Soto, who held the position of President of Congress until recently, was aware of the decision to grant this benefit, which has generated diverse reactions both in the legislative environment and in public opinion. Salhuana explained that the process for Fujimori's pension began at the end of April and that a series of administrative procedures were followed that culminated in the authorization of the benefit. "The request from former President Fujimori was submitted at the end of April. That is to say, if the granting of the pension is legally viable and if there are resources to make it effective," he stated in an interview with Canal N. The mention of the date suggests that there was prior deliberation that, according to the current President of Congress, may have been known by his predecessor. This comment has reignited tensions among different political groups and has exposed possible disagreements within the previous board of directors. Alejandro Soto, for his part, quickly denied Salhuana's claims, using his social media to clarify that the board under his leadership never discussed or approved any benefit for Fujimori. "The previous board, under my presidency, Alejandro Soto Reyes, did not discuss or approve any pension or benefit in favor of Alberto Fujimori," he wrote on his X account, making his disagreement with his successor's statements clear. The controversy is not limited to the approval of the pension. Several constitutional experts, such as Aníbal Quiroga and Natale Amprimo, have expressed their disagreement with the legality of the decision. They argue that, according to the law, the right to receive a pension is suspended in the event that the beneficiary is accused by Congress, which is the case for Fujimori, who faces multiple accusations of human rights violations and corruption. The political impact of this decision is considerable, as it not only affects the image of Congress but also reflects possible discontent among the sectors that support and criticize the former president. Fujimori's figure remains polarizing in Peruvian politics, with one sector defending him as a leader who brought stability during a time of crisis, and another viewing him as a human rights violator who must be held accountable for his actions. The current Congress administration finds itself at a crossroads, needing to handle this situation carefully to avoid alienating either side. Salhuana, acknowledging that the granting of the pension has "political repercussions," seems aware of the delicacy of the moment and the need for clear and transparent communication with the public. Moreover, this situation highlights the lack of consensus within Congress itself, which could lead to a crisis of trust between citizens and their representatives. The lack of clear information and the discontent among the positions of political leaders generate uncertainty about how decisions will be made in the future and whether they will respond to the country's needs. Meanwhile, the debate intensifies on social media and in the media, where citizens express their opinions on the legitimacy of the pension and Congress's ability to manage such situations. The question many are asking is whether the Peruvian political system will emerge strengthened from this controversy or, on the contrary, will be worn down by polarization and distrust. The future of Fujimori's pension, as well as the overall management of Congress, is now at the center of national debate, and it will be crucial to observe how events unfold in the coming weeks. The current situation not only challenges political leaders but also tests the commitment of Peru's democratic system to be transparent and accountable to its citizens.