The restructuring of Boluarte's cabinet generates criticism and distrust in the country.

The restructuring of Boluarte's cabinet generates criticism and distrust in the country.

President Dina Boluarte removed four members from her ministerial cabinet yesterday, but she kept the most questioned members of the Cabinet: José Santiváñez (Interior), César Vásquez (Health), Ángel Manero (Agriculture), Morgan Quero (Education), and Ángela Hernández (Women and Vulnerable Populations).

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
Politics 04.09.2024

The recent restructuring of President Dina Boluarte's cabinet has sparked extensive debate in public opinion and the political sphere of the country. Yesterday, Boluarte decided to remove four ministers, a move that, while significant in number, has been deemed insufficient by many analysts due to the continued presence of highly questioned figures in her administration. Among those dismissed are Hania Pérez de Cuéllar, Leslie Urteaga, and Elizabeth Galdo, who were replaced by new appointees, while the former chancellor Javier González Olaechea abruptly left his position, raising questions about the reasons behind his departure. Notable changes include the appointment of Durich Whittembury, Valencia Gibaja, and Ursula León to the ministries of Housing, Culture, and Foreign Trade, respectively. However, the notable absence of changes in the most criticized ministries has left many Peruvians feeling distrustful of the president's ability to carry out a more transparent and effective government. The retention of José Santiváñez, the current Minister of the Interior, has been particularly controversial, given that he has been at the center of several scandals related to his management, including compromising audio recordings linking him to alleged irregularities. Criticism of Santiváñez has intensified, especially following the revelation of audio recordings discussing actions that could be interpreted as attempts at cover-up. His decision to report journalists who have disseminated these recordings has generated adverse reactions from the National Association of Journalists (ANP), which has questioned his stance, arguing that it threatens freedom of expression and the work of the press. Boluarte's defense of Santiváñez has raised further doubts about her ability to maintain a cabinet that responds to the demands for transparency and accountability from the Peruvian people. On the other hand, the situation of Health Minister César Vásquez has become even more complicated following criticism from the Medical College of Peru, which has called for his dismissal due to what they consider ineffective management. Despite this, Boluarte has decided to keep him in his position, which has sparked questions about the priorities of her government and her willingness to address the health sector crisis that has affected the country in recent years. Opposition voices and citizens share a sentiment of discontent that could impact the president's image in a context where approval of her management is at critical levels. The continuity of ministers whose management has been contentious seems to be a pattern in Boluarte's administration, which has made a total of 57 ministerial changes since she took office. This back-and-forth of officials has created a climate of political instability and a constant questioning of the president's ability to govern effectively. The retention of ministers in key positions, despite their questionable track records, suggests that Boluarte may be prioritizing political loyalty over competence and the need for real change in the country's management. According to political analyst Daniela Ibáñez de la Puente, these recent changes, while relevant, are not enough. In her view, the fact that Santiváñez and Vásquez remain in their respective ministries indicates that the government is not willing to undertake deep reforms that respond to citizens' demands and seek to improve state efficiency. The lack of clear explanations about the changes made also fuels the perception that Boluarte's management lacks transparency. The departure of González Olaechea, a somewhat accepted minister, could be seen as a missed opportunity for Boluarte, who should consider how her decisions affect public perception of her administration. During his tenure, González Olaechea had managed to gain the approval of a significant percentage of the population, making his abrupt replacement just before a crucial international event like APEC, where Peru will assume the presidency for the third time, even more concerning. In this context, public expectations regarding the future of the cabinet are increasingly uncertain. The combination of dismissals and the retention of controversial figures in power suggests a lack of clear direction in Boluarte's leadership. As the country faces increasing challenges on various fronts, from public health to security, the presence of questioned ministers could hinder the government's efforts to regain the trust of the people. The future of Dina Boluarte's administration depends on her ability to effectively address these issues and to listen to the demands of a population weary of political instability. The insistence on retaining ministers who have faced criticism could prove counterproductive in a country seeking genuine change and an administration that responds to its needs. With a society that is increasingly demanding and attentive to government management, the president faces the challenge of transforming her cabinet into a true tool for change, or risk being seen as part of the problem rather than the solution.

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