Crisis in Aníbal Torres' Cabinet: Several Ministers Reportedly Resigned After Violent Protests and Social Conflicts

As it transpired from the Government Palace, seven ministers had submitted their letter of resignation to President Pedro Castillo, following the wave of violence unleashed in recent days in several areas of Peru due to the national strike of carriers and various social conflicts.

Initially, this version was denied by Prime Minister Aníbal Torres, who said at a press conference that his “cabinet is solid”. “I am very happy with this team that has been working for the good of the country . Intensive work is being done to help the most vulnerable people,” he said when asked about rumors of his resignation from office.

However, hours later, the president's ad honorem adviser, Daniel Salaverry, confirmed the transcended. “I know that there are ministers who have made their positions available, I cannot assure you how many of them are. I am not authorized to go into details, I am very respectful,” he said after meeting with Castillo Terrores.

Although he did not want to name names, Salaverry revealed that he is waiting for the head of state to announce changes to the cabinet. “I expect the president to announce some changes in the next few hours or tomorrow. But that there are going to be changes, I hope there will be,” he continued.

In that sense, he hinted that the president must remove the Ministers of Transport and Agriculture, Nicolás Bustamante and Óscar Zea, respectively, from office, since they have not been able to manage or control the protests at the national level, and the head of the Housing portfolio, Geiner Alvarado, who has not executed the plans drawn up in his sector

“The population has made them feel it, not only yesterday, but also in recent months. People want changes in the health sector, in the transport sector, in housing. We need ministers who understand this problem and need to start implementing the plans, because they exist. Unfortunately, the president hasn't had a team to help him move the country forward, ” he said.

When asked whether Pedro Castillo will resign from the presidency of Peru, /Salaverry clarified that “any possibility of the president taking such a decision is ruled out.” “On the contrary, he is focused on evaluating his ministers, accordingly, making all the changes that are required,” he said.

REGRETS THAT THE PRESIDENT LISTENS TO MORE PEOPLE

At another point in his dialogue with the press, from outside the Government Palace, Daniel Salaverry indicated that he recommended the president to take concrete measures regarding the crises that the country is going through, among them, he highlighted the renewal of the Torres cabinet. “That it convenes personalities, technicians and professionals, with recognized professional backgrounds, but, above all, who have an unblemished resume,” he said.

However, he expressed concern that he was not the only person giving advice to the president, who would have more people talking to his ear. “The president agrees with that need, however, I am not the only person who listens. Unfortunately, he also listens to other voices who believe that nothing is happening and that everything is perfect, that things have to continue as they are,” he said.

“I hope, that this is not the case, that measures and decisions will be taken. The president is making a permanent evaluation of the ministers, I hope it will finally serve to see who has worked in his portfolio, who are solving the day-to-day problems of Peruvians and who unfortunately have not risen to the occasion,” he said.

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