Approval of lifetime pension for Fujimori sparks controversy and protests in Peru.

The recent approval of a lifetime pension for Alberto Fujimori has generated a wave of reactions in the political and social spheres of the country. Despite his removal from office in 2001 and his controversial legacy, the Congress of the Republic has decided to grant him this benefit, a decision that has reopened old wounds and raised questions about ethics and transparency in public management. The official letter backing this pension, dated July 10, 2024, has raised doubts about the motivation behind this measure. According to the Sunday program Cuarto Poder, several political actors with ties to the Alianza para el Progreso (APP) party, led by César Acuña, are believed to be involved in the management that facilitated this controversial ruling. The possibility that political interests influenced this decision has not gone unnoticed by analysts. One of the names that has emerged in this context is Haidy Janette Figueroa Valdéz, who serves as the head of the human resources department of Congress. Figueroa, a member of APP since 2014, has attempted to distance herself from any political connection when questioned, which has raised further suspicions and questions about the impartiality of the process. Her role in public administration at such a delicate moment is being scrutinized by those who view Congress's actions with distrust. Another key actor in this story is lawyer José Rubio Preciado, who, despite having a brief tenure in Congress, was instrumental in supporting the proposal for the lifetime pension. His relationship with APP and his temporary hiring have raised questions about whether his involvement was part of a broader plan to facilitate Fujimori's access to these benefits. The timing of his legal support and his abrupt cessation in office adds a layer of mystery to his participation in this case. The situation becomes even more complicated when considering the context in which Alberto Fujimori finds himself. His history is marked by serious accusations of corruption, human rights violations, and acts of corruption during his administration, making the decision to grant him a lifetime pension particularly controversial. Many citizens question the legitimacy of this act, considering it a reward for someone who has become a symbol of impunity. Fujimori's lawyer, Elio Riera, has defended the legality of the pension, stating that the former president is entitled to an administrative assistant and security, as stipulated by law for former heads of state. However, public perception is divided. For many, it is seen as an affront and a folly, especially in a country where inequality and poverty are critical issues. The news has also stirred the political landscape, generating reactions from various groups that criticized Congress's decision. Some legislators have expressed their rejection of the pension, arguing that it is unjust for someone with such a questionable past to receive state benefits while millions of citizens struggle to improve their quality of life. This episode is framed within a broader context of distrust toward the political institutions of the country. The perception that there is a network of complicities and favoritism in the exercise of power has led many citizens to continually question the decisions made by the Legislature. The lack of transparency in public management has fueled indignation and skepticism. In this climate of discontent, the approval of the lifetime pension for Fujimori could become a catalyst for protests and mobilizations from sectors of the population demanding greater accountability and ethics in politics. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining how events unfold and whether social pressure can influence future legislative decisions. Therefore, Alberto Fujimori's lifetime pension is not only a topic of discussion regarding rights and benefits, but it has also transformed into a symbol of the struggle for a more just and transparent political system. Peruvian society is at a crucial moment, where every decision made by Congress is scrutinized, and where the call for justice and equity continues to resonate in every corner of the country.