Peruvian Crisis Deepens: Massacre, Tax Scandal, and Political Fallout

Peruvian News Roundup: Miner Massacre, Tax Breaks, and Political Turmoil Peru has experienced a tumultuous week, marked by several significant events. A massacre in the Pataz region left 13 miners dead, highlighting the dangerous working conditions in some Peruvian mines. An exclusive interview with a former worker sheds light on these conditions. "We had to face them with weapons," the witness stated, referring to the attackers. Meanwhile, Chinese mining companies, including Las Bambas, Chinalco, and Shougang, have significantly reduced their tax burden, thanks to rulings by the Peruvian Tax Court. This has sparked outrage, with reports suggesting millions of dollars in lost revenue. Adding to the political tension, Congresswoman Susel Paredes faces potential suspension, and the Public Ministry has filed five constitutional complaints against President Dina Boluarte and former ministers for their handling of the 2022-2023 protests. Furthermore, concerns are growing about the potential impact of budget cuts on the independence of the Comptroller General's Office. The Comptroller General himself warned about the institutional crisis. "I'm not asking the Ministry of Economy to give me what isn't there," he explained, "but there are ways, and above all, there are political intentions." These developments underscore the complex challenges facing Peru.