Changes in the Peruvian Foreign Ministry raise fears about relations with Venezuela.

The recent departure of Javier González-Olaechea from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sparked a significant debate about Peru's foreign policy toward Venezuela and the stance that the new chancellor, Elmer Schialer, will adopt in this regard. González-Olaechea, who had built a reputation for firmness against the Chavista dictatorship, was unexpectedly dismissed, leaving many questioning the direction the Peruvian government will take at a critical moment for the region. In his short time in office, Schialer has already raised concerns with his statements. His assertion that “the problems of Venezuela must be resolved by Venezuelans” suggests a possible softening of the position that Peru had maintained regarding Nicolás Maduro's regime. This rhetoric, which could be interpreted as an attempt to detach Peru from the Venezuelan crisis, is seen by many as a dangerous setback and a lack of solidarity with a people who have suffered years of repression and humanitarian crisis. González-Olaechea's intervention at the extraordinary OAS session on July 31 was a milestone in Peruvian foreign policy. His clear and direct speech, in which he argued that countries not demanding the publication of electoral records were, in a way, collaborating with the dictatorship, marked a clear stance of rejection against the electoral fraud perpetrated by Chavismo. The departure of this chancellor jeopardizes the political coherence that had been well received internationally. Doubts about the new administration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are amplified by the fact that Schialer avoided labeling Maduro as a dictator, a term that has been widely used by various governments and international organizations. This ambiguity generates unease among sectors that consider a firm and clear stance against the Venezuelan regime crucial. The lack of decisive responses regarding the legitimacy of the newly elected president in Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia, is another indication that the new chancellor may be adopting a more conciliatory policy. The situation is exacerbated by the influence of figures like Vladimir Cerrón, who has expressed satisfaction with the change in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cerrón, former governor of Junín and leader of Peru Libre, has maintained close ties with Chavismo, reinforcing the perception that the new government may be aligning itself with interests that favor the Venezuelan dictatorship. This closeness poses a moral and political dilemma for Peru, which has openly rejected the control and repression strategies exercised by Maduro over his people. It is essential for President Dina Boluarte to clarify her government's intentions. The possibility that Peru could become a "useful fool" for Chavismo is a valid concern and must be addressed with transparency. Citizens deserve to know whether they will continue to support a vigorous stance against tyranny or if steps will be taken toward a policy of indifference and complicity. Recent history has shown that a lack of clarity in international relations can have devastating consequences. In the case of Venezuela, where the humanitarian crisis and systematic violations of human rights are evident, the international community has a responsibility not to remain silent. Peru's stance could influence how other countries in the region approach their relationship with Maduro’s regime. The moment is crucial. A country's foreign policy not only reflects its ethics and values but also impacts thousands of people seeking support and hope in times of oppression. The international community is watching closely how Peru will handle this situation, and the absence of a firm stance could be interpreted as a sign of weakness. In conclusion, the departure of González-Olaechea and the rise of Schialer to the chancellorship mark a turning point in Peruvian foreign policy toward Venezuela. Ambiguity and a lack of clear commitment could have significant repercussions, both on Peru's international perception and on the daily lives of Venezuelans fighting for their freedom. It is imperative that the government makes a clear and firm decision, reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and human rights.