Growing insecurity in Peru: Citizen distrust and ministerial crisis.

The perception of insecurity in Peru has become a notable phenomenon that transcends the figures of actual victimization. According to recent data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), 27% of the surveyed population reported having been a victim of a crime by June 2024. However, an overwhelming 86.1% of citizens feel unsafe, a figure that has shown a slight increase compared to the previous month. This imbalance between direct experience of crime and collective fear illustrates a crisis of trust that affects not only citizens but also the institutions responsible for providing security. The growing fear among the population is reflected in the perception of the national police. Although 31.1% of respondents believe there is police surveillance, trust in the police force has been declining, with only 19.4% approval of the current management of the National Police, a decrease from 21.5% during the same period the previous year. This discontent affects not only citizens but also translates into the political realm, where cabinet ministers feel the pressure of a cautious and sometimes hostile public opinion. In the face of this grim reality, cabinet members are facing a different kind of insecurity marked by uncertainty and rumors of possible restructuring. Since the message on July 28, the idea of merging ministries has been in the air, generating expectations that have gone beyond the tangible. However, so far, the government has not presented a clear project regarding which ministries would be merged, increasing the nervousness among ministers who could be affected. The proposed ministerial mergers seem to be an attempt to balance the state, offering changes that would quell criticism about unnecessary expansion of the state apparatus. However, the execution of these mergers has been overshadowed by pressure from various sectors defending their specific interests. Conservatives, for example, seek to reduce the influence of ministries such as Women and Culture, while liberals demand the elimination of certain portfolios. This interplay of interests has made the change of ministers appear a more viable option than the complexity of merging ministries. Uncertainty is also felt in more ideological sectors. Ministries such as Women and Culture have become real battlegrounds, where ministers Teresa Hernández and Leslie Urteaga navigate turbulent waters. In contrast, other ministers seem to have adopted more discreet profiles in an attempt to evade the crossfire of criticism and demands. This is the case of Hania Pérez de Cuellar, Minister of Housing, who has taken a more cautious stance, distancing herself from political confrontation. In the context of these changes and uncertainties, the Minister of Economy and Finance, José Arista, finds himself at the center of a critical storm. The pressure he faces comes from both ends of the political spectrum, from both the left and the right. Criticism regarding the management of the fiscal deficit and the lack of a clear strategy places him as one of the most vulnerable ministers in this dynamic of change. What is perceived as a possible cabinet adjustment may not be as imminent as some might assume. Sources within the government have indicated that there are no clear signs of an immediate change of ministers or ongoing discussions about specific mergers. The apparent calm in the government’s discourse could be part of a strategy to manage uncertainty and expectations. Amid this landscape, the continuity of some ministers seems assured due to their alignment with government interests and their ability to negotiate with different sectors. However, the balance is fragile and will depend on how the political and social situation evolves in the country. The coming months will be crucial in determining not only the stability of the cabinet but also the direction the government will take in response to the economic and security challenges it faces. Ultimately, the situation reflects a broader dilemma: the challenge of governing in a context of distrust and fear. The perception of insecurity, both in the streets and within the government, demands clear and effective responses that go beyond superficial changes. Citizens expect a management approach that not only addresses their fears but also restores trust in the institutions responsible for ensuring their security and well-being.