Democracy's Silent Erosion: Peru's Struggle Against Private Power

The Erosion of Democracy in Peru

President Dina Boluarte's recent impeachment marks yet another chapter in Peru's tumultuous political landscape. With her approval rating plummeting, many expected a reset when José Jerí took office as interim president. However, the power dynamics in Peru reveal a more complex reality.

Decisions in the nation are no longer solely in the hands of its elected leaders but are increasingly driven by a web of political brokers and private interests. This raises a critical question: Can a democracy survive when its leaders are merely figureheads in the face of pervasive corruption?

“Without a dictator, freedom can still evaporate in the shadows of unregulated power.”

The Shift of Power

In recent years, Peru's presidency has seen a drastic shift in authority. With seven leaders cycling through office since 2018, the reality is that the president's role has become increasingly ceremonial. The real governance occurs behind the scenes, led by individuals with questionable ties to corruption.

Despite the absence of a single tyrant, the machinery of democracy in Peru is becoming increasingly dysfunctional. The state is failing to combat parallel powers—predatory entities that include narco-traffickers and illegal miners, flourishing in the void left by weak governance.

The Threat of Parallel Powers

Drawing from my ongoing research, I describe these forces as “parallel powers.” They are not entirely outside the state, nor are they fully within it; they operate in a gray area that allows them to thrive. For democracy to survive, the government must effectively confront these criminal networks. Yet, the current regime exhibits a troubling pattern of enabling, rather than restraining, these entities.

• Narco-traffickers: With Peru producing an alarming amount of coca, drug lords flourish amidst legislative chaos.
• Illegal miners: Billion-dollar operations run amok, contributing to environmental devastation and bleeding the economy dry.
• Corruption rackets: Political enablers solidify their power by forming transient coalitions that prioritize personal gain over public safety.

The Consequences of Inaction

As political families leverage their influence to pass laws that protect their interests, everyday Peruvians find their freedoms slipping away. The line between legitimate governance and organized crime blurs, leaving communities vulnerable to violence. The climate of fear stifles dissent and discourages civic engagement.

A Call to Action

It is in this context that we must ask ourselves as a society: How do we bring about meaningful change? The path forward isn't merely about voting for a new leader but requires collective action that confronts and dismantles these entrenched powers. Peruvians must unite to reclaim their agency and safeguard their democratic freedoms.

I implore readers to consider the implications of this critical juncture. The fate of democracy in Peru—and, by extension, across many Latin American nations—depends on our capacity to recognize the dangers posed by unchecked power, whether from dictators or clandestine networks.

Conclusion: Towards a Hopeful Future

As we face this relentless struggle against corruption and crime, the question remains: What do we do when freedom dies without a dictator? The responsibility lies with each one of us—to stand firmly against tyranny, whether it wears a suit in a palace or lurks in the shadows of society.