Martín Vizcarra launches his presidential candidacy despite disqualification and trials.

In the midst of a tense and controversial political climate, Martín Vizcarra has decided to announce his candidacy for the presidency of Peru with his party, Perú Primero, although he faces a significant barrier: a disqualification that prevents him from participating in the upcoming electoral process. Despite this situation, the former president remains optimistic and determined, asserting that he believes the disqualification will be reversed before the official campaign for the 2026 elections begins. The atmosphere at the headquarters of Perú Primero, where Vizcarra works, is adorned with smiles from lizards, which represent the mascot of the young political party. In this space, Vizcarra not only focuses on his public image but has also become a skilled TikToker, amassing millions of views on his videos. However, his path to the presidency is fraught with challenges, primarily the fight against the disqualification imposed by Congress and the start of a trial regarding the Lomas de Ilo and Moquegua hospital cases, where he is accused of receiving bribes. Recently, the asset forfeiture unit ordered the seizure of seven properties belonging to Vizcarra and his wife, an act he describes as incomprehensible and part of an attempt to curb his growing popular support. Despite currently being disqualified, Vizcarra holds out hope that justice will allow him to present his candidacy, claiming that there are international precedents that could benefit his situation. Despite the criticism of his management during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Peru recorded one of the highest mortality rates, Vizcarra argues that it was a moment of crisis in which everything possible was done to address the situation. However, his legacy is marked by the "vaccinagate" scandal, an irregularity that cost him his disqualification and has been a central point in his narrative and the public perception of him. Throughout the interview, Vizcarra appears defiant in the face of corruption allegations, asserting that he has committed no crime. He states that the investigations against him have been lengthy and that, despite previous announcements of irrefutable evidence from the prosecution, the cases have fizzled out. The trial's start date is approaching, but he remains confident in his innocence. The relationship between Vizcarra and some of his former colleagues has also become a topic of discussion. At one point, former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski considered Vizcarra part of his political downfall, accusing him of disloyalty. Although Vizcarra does not wish to enter into conflict, he denies conspiring against Kuczynski and insists that his only interest is the well-being of the country, not his political career. The former president has also faced criticism from some who label him a "genocidal" due to his handling of the pandemic, a term he rejects and minimizes. In his view, the country's situation during the pandemic was extremely complex and challenging, and he maintains that valuable measures were implemented despite the adversity. As the election year approaches, Vizcarra feels driven by the need for real change in Peruvian politics. He argues that the country is facing a crisis of insecurity and lack of opportunities, pointing out that current politicians do not seem up to the task. His message emphasizes the urgency of unifying efforts and implementing effective measures. Regarding his financial situation, Vizcarra explains that his life has changed significantly since he assumed the presidency. He currently lives off payments from a private company, from which he divested all his shares at the beginning of his presidential term. However, the seizure of his properties and travel restrictions have impacted his ability to generate income, leading him to rely on a scheduled payment scheme. As the political landscape heats up and elections approach, Martín Vizcarra finds himself at a crossroads. With his future in politics at stake, his struggle is not only for the presidency but also to clear his name and demonstrate that he can lead the country toward a better future. His narrative intertwines with the contemporary history of Peru, where politics, justice, and public perception unfold in a complex web that will define the country's direction in the coming years.