Peruvian Foreign Minister Quits Amid Controversy Over Failed Biden Meeting
Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi attends a news conference regarding the asylum that Mexico has granted to the family of former President Pedro Castillo, in Lima, Peru, December 20, 2022. Image Source: Reuters/Sebastian Castaneda
On November 6, 2023, Ana Cecilia Gervasi, Peru's Foreign Minister, resigned from her position after controversy about her lack of diligence. Apparently, Gervasi failed to secure a formal meeting with President Joe Biden during Peruvian President Dina Boularte's recent visit to the United States.
While President Boularte was in the U.S. the anticipated bilateral talks with President Biden did not take place because the meeting was not scheduled in the White House agenda. Peru's foreign ministry explained this absence by citing time constraints.
President Boularte's main agenda for the meeting was to discuss a comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking, and to seek increased and improved investments for Peru. Moreover, the failure to schedule the meeting raised questions about the effectiveness of Peru's diplomatic efforts.
In the aftermath of this incident, Gustavo Meza Cuadra, Peru's Ambassador to the United States, also tendered his resignation. In the resignation letter, he referred to his role in preparing President Boularte's visit, hinting at the significance of the mishap. While the exact reasons for the ambassador's departure remain unclear, his departure contributes to the growing uncertainty regarding the Peruvian government's foreign affairs management.
After resigning, Gervasi requested a meeting with the Foreign Relations Commission of Congress to discuss the discrepancies in the formal itinerary that suggested a bilateral meeting. Gervasi's request to meet with the Foreign Relations Commission of Congress was denied, and Congress has since then summoned Gervasi to an extraordinary plenary session.
She stated, "I emphatically affirm that all the information transmitted to the Congress of the Republic in the request for authorization to the President of the Republic to travel to Washington has been truthful and supported by the agreements reached with the authorities of the United States."
Peru's President Dina Boluarte speaks as she meets with foreign press, in Lima, Peru January 24, 2023. Image Source: REUTERS/Angelica Ponce
This situation has also raised concerns about the lack of transparency and potential corruption in Peru's government. The confusion surrounding President Boularte's visit to the U.S., exacerbated by the subsequent resignations, have left the Peruvian public questioning the government's credibility and integrity.
This is not the first time the public suspects President Boularte's government of corruption--an ongoing investigation involving Boularte's brother, Nicanor Boularte, has compromised her popularity. A district mayor in the Cajamarca region received 20 million soles ($5.3 million) for investment projects shortly after meeting in Lima with Nicanor Boluarte. President Boularte defended her brother's actions, stating, "He is completely free to receive whoever he wants. Let it be investigated. My brother will know how to defend himself before the Public Ministry about that infamy that they have tried to invent for him."
The new scandal with the Foreign Minister's resignation only aggravated the political turmoil in the executive branch. President Boularte and members of her political party are already facing accusations of corruption, including allegations of money laundering and receiving illegal campaign contributions.
Furthermore, the President is also receiving backlash for apparent human rights abuses related to aggressive responses to protests. The consistent lack of transparency from Boularte's government has left Peru in a state of constant unrest and uncertainty.
Gervasi's unexpected resignation is widely interpreted as a response to this mounting pressure and scrutiny. Despite many accomplishments during her tenure, her departure underscores the significant challenges the Peruvian government faces in managing its foreign relations, especially when dealing with powerful nations like the United States.