Lima Mayor Rafael López Aliaga Backs Santiváñez's Justice Ministry Appointment Amidst Scrutiny

Support for New Justice Minister Ignites Debate

The Mayor of Lima, Rafael López Aliaga, has publicly expressed his support for Juan José Santiváñez's recent appointment as the Minister of Justice and Human Rights (Minjus). López Aliaga cited Santiváñez's previous tenure as Minister of the Interior (Mininter) as a key reason for his endorsement, stating that Santiváñez provided significant assistance during that period. This backing comes as Santiváñez's return to a ministerial role draws attention and sparks discussion within political circles.

Santiváñez's designation as the head of the Justice Ministry marks his re-entry into the cabinet. His previous performance in the Interior Ministry, a critical portfolio focused on national security, is now under renewed examination. While some, like Congressman Jorge Montoya, have also voiced approval, emphasizing Santiváñez's past work, others are scrutinizing his record more closely.

Scrutiny Over Previous Ministerial Role

During his time as Minister of the Interior, Santiváñez's department released statistics that have been described as unusual. Reports indicate a very high frequency of police operations, with some analyses suggesting an average of two operations every minute. However, despite this intense operational activity, there was also a recorded increase in homicides during the same period. This discrepancy has led to questions about the effectiveness and impact of his leadership in addressing public safety concerns.

The mixed assessment of his previous performance creates a complex backdrop for his current appointment to the Justice Ministry. This ministry plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law, promoting human rights, and overseeing the judicial system, making the background of its leader particularly significant.

Calls for Accountability and Legislative Reform

The political party Renovación Popular, with which Mayor López Aliaga is affiliated, has been actively pushing for a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening the mechanism for censuring ministers. This proposed bill also seeks to prevent ministers who have faced significant questions or censure from returning to government positions. The timing of Santiváñez's appointment, following his tenure at the Interior Ministry and amidst calls for greater accountability, adds another layer to this ongoing political discussion.

In response to the appointment, a motion has been put forward in Congress requesting that the relevant officials, including the former Minister of Justice, Eduardo Arana, provide a detailed explanation regarding the decision to appoint Santiváñez. This parliamentary move underscores the demand for transparency and a clear justification for high-level government appointments, especially when a minister's past performance has generated public and political debate.

What happens next

The appointment of Juan José Santiváñez to the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights is expected to remain a topic of intense discussion within the Peruvian Congress. The proposed bill by Renovación Popular, aiming to reform ministerial censure procedures, will likely gain further prominence, with debates potentially focusing on whether Santiváñez's case exemplifies the need for such reforms. Furthermore, the motion seeking an explanation for his designation will require a response from government officials, potentially leading to a formal interpellation or a detailed public statement. Public and media scrutiny of Santiváñez's actions and policies in his new role, as well as his past record, is also anticipated to continue.