Minister Marco Vinelli denies existence of parallel cabinet

Peru's Minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, Marco Vinelli, has denied allegations that a ‘parallel cabinet’ is being formed around President Keiko Fujimori. The denial follows the official creation of the Presidential Office Consultative Commission.

Vinelli stated that the commission is an advisory body composed of experienced individuals who serve ad honorem. He clarified that the group does not replace or interfere with the functions of the Council of Ministers, but rather provides opinions to the President as required. He noted that previous administrations have also utilized advisors within the presidential office, but this new structure formalizes the role through updated organizational regulations.

The commission's five members, officially named in a resolution published on September 16, include Clemente Jaime Yoshiyama Tanaka, Arsenio Oré Guardia, José Chlimper Ackerman, Josefina Takahashi Sato, and Milagros Álvarez Calderón Larco. Some members, including Yoshiyama, Oré, and Chlimper, have previously been investigated in the ‘Cócteles’ case regarding alleged irregular campaign financing.