Congress archives motion of censure against ministers amid social criticism.

In an unexpected turn of events, the motion of censure presented against the ministers of Education and Women, Morgan Quero and Teresa Hernández, respectively, was shelved by Congress after failing to gather the necessary 33 signatures. This comes amid growing outrage over recent cases of sexual abuse that have affected schoolchildren from the Awajún community in the province of Condorcanqui, Amazonas region. The news has generated deep discontent both in the political sphere and among civil society, where many believe that a crucial opportunity to hold public officials accountable has been lost. The president of Congress, Eduardo Salhuana, announced in the plenary session that the motion did not succeed due to the withdrawal of signatures by some key legislators, including Jorge Coayla from Juntos por el Perú - Voces del Pueblo, Kira Alcarraz from Podemos Perú, and Milagros Jáuregui from Renovación Popular. This decision has unleashed a wave of criticism and questioning regarding the lack of support for a cause that many consider urgent and necessary to protect vulnerable children. Legislators like Susel Paredes from the Bloque Democrático Popular quickly expressed their disappointment and dissatisfaction with this situation. Paredes recently visited the Cenepa region and reported that the state of schools is alarming, which, in her view, justifies the interpellation of both ministers. "The truth is that I am very disappointed in those who withdrew their signatures," Paredes stated, directly pointing to colleagues who distanced themselves from the motion. Edwin Martínez from Acción Popular also joined the criticism, labeling as "cowardly" anyone who initiates an interpellation but fails to uphold it, while condemning the ministers' attitude for referring to the abuses in such a "dirty" manner. Martínez's words reflect a growing sentiment among some legislators that politics must have a genuine commitment to defending the most vulnerable. For his part, Minister Morgan Quero defended his stance against the censure, arguing that the criticisms and the desire for censure are "signs of intolerance" that should not be part of democracy. He also considered it "normal" for some legislators to change their opinions on certain issues, a comment that seems to downplay the seriousness of the accusations against him and his colleague. The motion of censure had been driven by parliamentarian Ruth Luque, who pointed out that the attitude of both ministers was not only discriminatory but also contributed to a climate of impunity for abuses in indigenous communities. Luque accused Quero of referring to the abuses as "cultural practices," a comment that generated significant controversy and was interpreted by many as a serious disrespect towards the victims. Additionally, it was highlighted that Minister of Women, Teresa Hernández, was also criticized for making statements deemed exclusive and discriminatory towards the Awajún and Wampis communities. These statements not only seem to undermine public trust in these ministries but also reinforce the perception that the voices of indigenous communities are ignored in positions of power. The situation underscores a deeper dilemma in Peruvian politics: the need for a genuine and effective commitment from public officials to address the issues faced by vulnerable communities, particularly regarding violence and sexual abuse. The lack of a strong response from Congress could result in greater social discontent, especially in a context where violence against women and girls has become an increasing concern. The shelving of the motion of censure, therefore, not only represents a defeat for those seeking justice for the victims but also poses a challenge for Congress, which must reflect on its role in protecting the rights of the most vulnerable citizens. Public opinion will be keenly watching the next steps of the Legislature and the response from the involved ministers, who must demonstrate a real commitment to eradicating violence and promoting equality. This episode raises questions about the future of educational and gender policies in Peru, in a context where the fight for the rights of indigenous communities must be a non-negotiable priority for any government committed to social justice. Citizens are echoing these demands, and time will tell if lawmakers are willing to listen.