Peru’s Defense Minister resigns after controversy over military promotions

Peruvian Defense Minister Walter Ayala presented his resignation to President Pedro Castillo on Monday after being questioned for alleged pressure to promote military officers related to the new leftist government.

“I place my position at the disposal of the President of the Republic and Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces (…). Do not use pretexts against democracy, “Ayala wrote on Twitter, after a meeting with the president in the government palace.

The president has not confirmed whether he accepts or rejects the resignation of Ayala, a 50-year-old former judge. If accepted, he would be the tenth minister to lose Castillo in just over 100 days in power.

Castillo removed four days ago the commander of the Army, General José Vizcarra, and the chief of the Air Force, General Jorge Chaparro. Both affirmed this Monday that their departures were due to friction with Minister Ayala and with Castillo’s secretary, Bruno Pacheco, who asked them to irregularly promote officials related to the government.

“I received some orders […] through Secretary Bruno Pacheco, through the Defense Minister and the Defense Minister’s aide, ”Vizcarra told the RPP station.

“I told him that in no way […]that the meritocracy and the procedures established in the promotion law would be respected, ”Chaparro told the Peruvian newspaper El Comercio.

Following the statements of the removed commanders, several opposition legislators – including retired soldiers – announced their intention to question Ayala, which would probably lead to the minister being censured by the opposition majority in Congress and resulting in his departure from office.

Last week, the Minister of the Interior, Luis Barranzuela, resigned, questioned for having held a party at his house in Lima in violation of a ban aimed at preventing COVID-19 infections. A month ago Castillo had fired seven ministers, including the then chief of staff, Guido Bellido, and in August he had changed his chancellor.

In place of Vizcarra, General Walter Córdova assumed this Monday, while General Alfonso Ardati replaced Chaparro. The two removed chiefs had been appointed by Castillo three months ago.

Castillo, in power since July 28, narrowly defeated right-wing Keiko Fujimori in a ballot, raising fears among part of Peruvians of a sharp turn toward socialism after decades of liberal policies. (I)