Peruvian Ombudsman faces calls for resignation over Congress remarks

The Peruvian Ombudsman, Josué Gutiérrez, is facing calls for resignation from the Obras Party following controversial remarks regarding the potential dissolution of Congress. Senator Daniel Barragán, spokesperson for the Obras caucus, labeled the statements ‘undemocratic’ after Gutiérrez suggested that a move to close Congress could increase the popularity of President Keiko Fujimori.

Gutiérrez defended his comments, stating they were part of a historical analysis regarding institutional weakness and the loss of public credibility in state institutions. He argued that in Peru, leaders who have dissolved Congress in the past have seen an automatic rise in approval ratings due to a lack of trust in existing institutions.

The Defensoría del Pueblo issued a formal statement claiming the remarks were ‘taken out of context’ and were intended as a hypothetical analysis rather than an incitement to dissolve state powers. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to the democratic regime and rejected any attempts to undermine the democratic order.