Peru: Protests possible amid corruption scandal

Event

In a speech delivered on Thursday, December 14, Peruvian President Pablo Kuczynski reiterated that he would not step down despite an intensifying corruption scandal. The political opposition has threatened to launch impeachment proceedings as early as December 15. This situation has resulted in street protests in recent weeks and further such protests are to be anticipated, by both the president’s critics and supporters, notably in the capital Lima. Demonstrations are particularly likely on December 22, when Kuczynski is expected to testify before a congressional commission regarding the accusations.

Context

Kuczynski has been accused of accepting bribes from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. Investigations into Odebrecht have uncovered a widespread network of government officials bribed to secure contracts, implicating high-ranking politicians across Latin America. The most recent example is Ecuador’s Vice President Jorse Glas, who was sentenced to six years in prison on December 13.

Advice

Individuals in Peru are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate in the coming weeks and avoid any protests as a precaution.