The Latin American Report # 354

The Republic of Vizcarra

Former Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra is a clear example of Peruvian society generally, not only in politics. Since yesterday Monday Vizcarra has been on trial at the Fourth National Collegiate Criminal Court, attached to the National Superior Court of Specialized Criminal Justice, accused of the crime of bribery when he was governor of the southern region of Moquegua (2011-2014). Prosecutors, who are asking for 15 years in prison, are convinced that he intervened in the granting of irregular concessions for an irrigation project and the construction of a hospital, conduct for which he would have received around US$611,000.

Vizcarra's defense is trying to annul this and other judicial processes and sentences that link him to more acts of corruption. For example, he is doubly disqualified from holding public office, which prevented him from being installed as a congressman a year after leaving the presidency in 2020 (he was the most-voted congressional candidate at the national level). From his time as Minister of Transportation and Communications (2016-2018), we have the accusation of having inappropriate links with companies in both sectors. During his tenure at the head of the House of Pizarro would have had some involvement in the irregular hiring of a singer close to him by the Minister of Culture.

The Latino vote through Puerto Rican lens

This report from AFP offers some interesting readings on the projection of the Latino vote, based on the views of certain members of this important group. One thing I noticed in the small sample is that those somewhat more mature in age seem to follow the old standard of supporting the blue bloc, while the younger ones seem to be more linked to the red team. In general, it is said that the most recent inclination of this electorate favors the Republican party, although AFP reports that the latest NYT/Siena poll shows that Hispanics in particular support Harris by 52%.

The positions of the Latino vote in the cable collide on two issues, with the most recent scathing attack against Puerto Rico at a Trump campaign rally where the division is clear and corresponds to what I said above from the age dimension. “The damage is done... Before I was 100 percent convinced to vote for Trump and now I am 100 percent motivated to go out and vote for Kamala Harris,” a 45-year-old health insurance said. The remarks “cleared [the] mind” of another Puerto Rican, a 41-year-old female pediatrician, who now refers to having “the courage to go out and vote” blue. But an 18-year-old handyman instead sees nothing wrong with “the jokes” made in New York when referring to Puerto Rico as a floating island full of garbage. “[Trump is] just the best for the economy right now,” said the Latino handyman.

Several influential Latino artists have spoken out against Trump in recent hours 👇

And this is all for our report today. I have referenced the sources dynamically in the text, and remember you can learn how and where to follow the LATAM trail news by reading my work here. Have a nice day.