Peru Roundup: Presidential impeachment, transsexuality declared mental illness, economic partnership with Indonesia
Peruvian Congress rejects presidential impeachment requests
Peruvian Congress rejected three impeachment requests against President Dina Boluarte. Differences arose due to her absence from cosmetic surgery, involvement in criminal proceedings, interference in anti-corruption investigations, and corruption allegations, according to TeleSur. Her administration has faced protests, economic stagnation, and rising insecurity. Despite approval ratings of just 8%, Boluarte remains in office. "We fulfil the will of the Peruvian people who give the president an 8 % approval rating. This public indignation stems from the president's frivolity, as she has been absent without permission and without informing the public to undergo surgery, and has dissolved a special professional police team to cover up," Peruvian legislator Susel Paredes said.
Protests over transsexuality as 'mental illness' decree
Massive protests erupted in Peru after a new decree referred to transsexuality as a mental illness. LGBTQ+ activists in Lima demanded the repeal of the decree, which also classified six other gender identities as mental illnesses. Similar protests took place in Ecuador. The decree was passed by President Dina Boluarte's administration and has been criticised as a step backwards for the LGBTQ+ community. The protests coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, and demonstrators emphasise that being transgender is not a disease.
Mining taxes dispute
Peru has announced that it has successfully defended against a $1 billion International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) claim filed by a US mining company regarding retroactive royalties. This dispute was centred on an open-pit copper mine.
Economic partnership agreement with Indonesia
Indonesia and Peru have committed to starting negotiations for the Indonesia-Peru Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IP-CEPA) agreement, following a launch by their respective ministers in August 2023, Indonesian state agency Antara reports. The negotiations are targeted to be completed as soon as possible, with Indonesia already submitting a proposal and timeline for the rounds of negotiations. The total trade between the two countries in 2023 reached $444.3 million, with Indonesia enjoying a trade surplus of $290.4 million with Peru, according to Antara. Indonesia sees Peru as an important partner for strengthening trade in South America, with plans to intensify trade with the country.
UK double taxation agreement
The UK has ratified the terms of its agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is worth £12 trillion in global GDP upon the UK's entry, according to the UK government. This came about after UK Trade Minister Greg Hands visited Peru to join the trade group and finalise the UK-Peru Double Taxation Agreement. The UK government announced that this agreement will prevent businesses from paying double taxes and will greatly lower the costs associated with conducting business with Peru, thereby promoting bilateral trade and investment.
