Million-dollar expenses on presidential trips generate controversy and questioning

President Dina Boluarte has been the subject of criticism and scrutiny in recent times, mainly due to her low approval rating of 5% and the Rolex case scandal that has raised suspicions in public opinion regarding her administration. However, despite this adverse context, Boluarte has not hesitated to undertake a series of trips abroad on behalf of Peru, generating significant expenses for the State.

According to detailed information from the newspaper Correo, the six trips made by President Boluarte abroad, covering destinations such as Brazil, the United States, Europe, and China, have resulted in an expenditure of over 1.7 million soles in allowances and tickets. This amount, converted to dollars for a total of $459,670.11, reflects the cost to the public treasury of the president's trips abroad.

Boluarte's first trip was to Belém do Pará, Brazil, where she participated in the IV Meeting of Presidents of the Member States of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization. Accompanied by a delegation of 12 people, this first journey had a cost of $62,887.22 between tickets and allowances. Subsequently, the president traveled to the United States to participate in the United Nations General Assembly, with an expense of $86,206.50.

However, the trip that has generated the most controversy so far is the one to Europe, which included visits to Germany, Italy, and the Vatican. This journey, carried out amidst an urgent request from Peruvians residing in Israel to be repatriated, had a cost of $155,126.84. Additionally, her participation in a business fair in Germany and her protocol meeting with Pope Francis have been subject to criticism and speculation.

Boluarte has also visited the United States on two occasions, with the second trip leading to the resignation of Foreign Minister Ana Gervasi due to the lack of a planned meeting with President Joe Biden. The total spent on these two visits amounted to $69,889.80. Finally, the president is preparing for her upcoming trip to China, with an estimated cost of $53,439.75 in allowances and tickets.

These data have sparked intense debate in public opinion and in the political sphere, especially in a context of economic and social crisis in the country. The opposition has questioned the relevance and necessity of these trips, as well as the effectiveness of the representation that President Boluarte is carrying out abroad. Likewise, the lack of concrete results from these trips in benefit of Peru and its citizens has been pointed out.

In this context, it is imperative that the competent authorities provide detailed explanations regarding the relevance and results of the trips made by President Boluarte, as well as the use of public resources allocated for these purposes. Transparency and accountability are fundamental elements in a mature democracy, and at a time when trust in institutions is in doubt, it is necessary to clarify all doubts and ensure the responsible use of state resources.