Peru referendums may aid Vizcarra against Congress

Subject

Referendum plans.

Significance

President Martin Vizcarra’s bid to put judicial and political reforms to referendums is an attempt to escape his government’s dependence on the opposition-controlled legislature by launching a direct appeal to the people. The reforms are being framed as the only way in which to tackle deeply rooted corruption in public life. However, the proposals first need to be approved by Congress, which has so far been resistant to reform.

Impacts

• Not all the suggested reforms, if ratified, are likely to achieve their intended results.
• The problem of party funding is likely to remain unresolved.
• It will take more than just changing the National Magistrates Council (CNM) to rid the judicial branch of corruption.
• Preventing the re-election of legislators would not necessarily improve the standing of Congress.