Corruption in Peru: losses of S/ 72 billion threaten economic development.

Since 2021, corruption has left a devastating mark on the Peruvian economy, generating losses that amount to the alarming figure of S/ 72 billion, according to a report from the Comptroller General of the Republic. This data, presented by Roberto De La Torre, president of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (CCL), highlights the severe impact that corruption has had on the country's development in a relatively short period, extending up to 2023. The situation is even more concerning when looking at the last year, where losses reached S/ 24 billion. This amount could have been used to finance the construction of 50 hospitals and the creation of 1,600 modern schools, in addition to generating over a million jobs. De La Torre emphasized that the diversion of state resources towards corrupt practices disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, limiting investment in essential sectors such as infrastructure, health, and education. The landscape becomes even more complicated when considering the 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) developed by Transparency International, which reveals that Peru has fallen from 101st to 121st place since 2012. This drop in ranking places it in the lower third of the most corrupt countries in the world, sharing positions with nations like Angola, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan. This index is concerning, as a country with a high perception of corruption faces serious difficulties attracting foreign investment, which in turn increases risks for investors. In light of this reality, the CCL has launched an initiative titled "Seedbed for Future Officials and Public Servants" to spark interest among young people in working within the state apparatus. De La Torre highlighted the business guild's commitment to contributing to the fight against corruption, a scourge that not only causes economic stagnation but also increases poverty and undermines the credibility of institutions. The program has managed to attract over 450 high-achieving university students, from which a group of 60 will be selected to participate in a specialized training program. This effort aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can redefine what it means to be a public official in the country. Hernán Lanzara, president of the CCL's Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission, emphasized the importance of this seedbed, as the young participants will not only learn to be better public servants but will also become "guardians of integrity and justice." The mission is clear: to build a more equitable and transparent future for Peru. Lanzara also stressed that values and ethics will be fundamental pillars in the training process for these young people. An unbreakable commitment to transparency will be sought, along with fostering a deep awareness in decision-making, given that, as future officials, they will have a direct impact on the lives of millions of citizens. According to CCL leaders, the seedbed represents an opportunity not only for the young participants but for the entire country. By investing in the training of honest and responsible public servants, it is hoped that the trend of corruption affecting Peru in recent years will begin to reverse. Corruption is not just a problem of numbers, but of dreams and lost opportunities. While the struggle is arduous, initiatives like the CCL's seedbed offer a ray of hope in the pursuit of a more promising future for the country, where integrity and justice become the main drivers of development.