President of the Judiciary criticizes budget cuts at commemorative ceremony.

In a recent commemorative ceremony for Judge's Day, the president of the Judiciary, Javier Arévalo, did not hold back on criticizing the government's decision to cut the budget for his institution for the year 2025. In a speech filled with concern, Arévalo stated that the cut of S/3.5 billion, decided by a "mid-level official," represents a direct blow to the capabilities and functions of the Judiciary, creating a climate of conflict among the different branches of government. The head of the Judiciary argued that this measure not only affects the activities scheduled for the upcoming year but also jeopardizes the advancement of essential initiatives in the fight against crime, especially in a context where insecurity has become a hot topic on the public agenda. "This goes against the policy of combating crime that you, Madam President, have expressed," Arévalo stated, referring to the effective flagrancy units in the administration of justice. The cut, described by Arévalo as "arbitrary," has sparked widespread debate about the autonomy of the Judiciary and its ability to operate effectively in the face of rising crime. According to the president of the Judiciary, the decision made by an official acting without consultation with the highest levels of government is an example of a lack of consideration for the justice system and its functioning. "Decisions that affect a branch of government cannot be made without an adequate discussion process," he added. The criticism of the lack of coordinated management between the Judiciary and the Executive was pointed. Arévalo called for a direct conversation between President Dina Boluarte and the Minister of Economy to express the discontent generated within the judiciary. This call to action underscores the need for mutual understanding between institutions to ensure the stability and functionality of the judicial system. Beyond the numbers, the president of the Judiciary warned of an imminent danger: the advance of organized crime. In his address, he expressed his fear that, if appropriate measures are not taken, in the not-so-distant future, drug trafficking and other illicit activities could infiltrate the country's politics. "It is our responsibility to prevent that threat," Arévalo declared, highlighting the urgency of the current situation. In a context where corruption and crime have found spaces of impunity, Arévalo emphasized the importance of judicial independence as a fundamental pillar for the democratic development of the country. In his view, the budget cut not only undermines that independence but also weakens public trust in the judicial system. The response from the Executive, or the lack thereof, will be a determining factor in the immediate future of the Judiciary. Such a significant cut not only affects the operability of justice but could also have repercussions on the public's perception of the government's commitment to the rule of law. It is worth noting that this issue is further complicated by a recent proposal for a bill pushed by the brother of the fugitive Vladimir Cerrón, which seeks to limit the functions and powers of judges and prosecutors. This project has raised concerns about possible intentions to undermine the autonomy of the judicial system and, consequently, about the state's ability to act against crime. The political climate in Peru is becoming increasingly tense, and the involved actors must act with caution. President Boluarte and her team of ministers face a complicated situation that could define the course of her administration and the integrity of the country's institutions. The judges of the Peruvian people hope that justice prevails, not only in the judicial sphere but also in the political realm.