Peruvian Prime Minister Alberto Otarola tendered his resignation on Tuesday amidst allegations of corruption, posing a setback for President Dina Boluarte who relied on him as a significant political ally.
Over the weekend, Panorama TV aired a report claiming Otarola was involved in a romantic relationship with a woman who secured a government position. The program also aired an audio recording purportedly capturing conversations between the two individuals.
In response, Otarola vehemently denied any wrongdoing as alleged by Panorama. Through a statement on his official account, he admitted being aware of the recording for several months but maintained his innocence. “I have not embezzled a single penny from the public funds,” he asserted. “There have been no irregularities in contracts during my tenure.”
The role of Prime Minister holds significant influence in Peruvian politics, overseeing the President’s cabinet and serving as a vital intermediary with Congress. Otarola, a former defense minister who had previously served under a different President, played a prominent role as the government’s chief spokesperson during Boluarte’s tenure, especially given her relative political inexperience.
Otarola’s resignation adds to the recent changes within Boluarte’s administration, following the replacement of key ministers in finance and energy and mining just last month. These shifts come at a critical juncture for the government, which is striving to navigate through economic challenges exacerbated by adverse weather conditions and political instability.
