Congress versus the Presidency: A New Era in Peru’s Political Landscape
The political dynamics in Peru have reached a notable turning point, characterized by a decade of instability that has led many experts to argue that the executive branch has increasingly become a secondary power. Political analysts, including Tuesta, highlight how the unicameral Congress of Peru has expanded its influence, despite facing significant unpopularity among the electorate.
One of the primary factors contributing to the Congress’s enhanced authority is its impeachment power. The legislative body has the ability to remove presidents for “moral incapacity,” a term that encompasses a wide range of actions, from undisclosed meetings to government crises. This power has enabled Congress to exert a substantial level of control over the presidency, often to the detriment of the democratic process.
Paulo Vilca, a researcher at the Institute of Peruvian Studies, notes the trend towards shorter presidential tenures. Historically, presidents were elected for five-year terms; however, the current political climate suggests that many may not serve out their term. The next critical phase in this evolving political landscape will occur this Sunday when Peruvians are set to vote for a second chamber of Congress, creating a Senate for the first time since 1990.
Analysts like Vilca argue that the upcoming congressional election may prove to be more consequential than the presidential race itself. While many view this development as a move towards a more balanced legislative process, it could simultaneously exacerbate the existing political crisis, as a multi-chamber Congress may lead to conflicts not only between the chambers but also with the presidency. “It’s very likely that newly elected deputies will feel undermined by a subordinate role in relation to the Senate,” Vilca explains. This could transform the current political crisis, which consists of two factions, into a more complex three-way power struggle.
Historically, the Senate was abolished in 1992 by former President Alberto Fujimori, who dissolved Peru’s bicameral Congress. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, seeks to perpetuate her family’s political legacy through her right-wing party, Fuerza Popular, which has become a significant player in the current unicameral legislature. Following her loss in the 2016 presidential race, Keiko Fujimori expressed her intention to “govern from Congress,” highlighting the party’s ambition to shape Peru’s political future from within the legislative body itself.
Fuerza Popular has been accused of implementing measures designed to fortify its grip on power, often at the expense of broader democratic participation. Among these changes, a controversial 2025 requirement demands political parties to secure at least 5 percent of the overall vote and a minimum of seven seats in the lower chamber to maintain their officially recognized status. For the Senate, a party must obtain at least three seats and 5 percent of the vote. Critics argue that these thresholds create a challenging environment for emerging political movements.
As the nation stands at the brink of contemporary political shifts, the future remains uncertain. Observers like Vilca express skepticism that the establishment of a new Senate will lead to a resolution of the conflicts currently undermining presidential authority. Instead, it may usher in further confrontations between elected officials and intensify the prevailing political crisis in Peru.
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