New Peru leader calls for end to ‘hate and confrontation’

Bloomberg

Martin Vizcarra assumed Peru’s highest office pledging to end the political confrontation that forced his predecessor to quit while maintaining economic stability and fighting corruption.
The 55-year-old engineer-turned-politician called for unity to recover governability and the trust of Peruvians, in a national address after being sworn in as president in Congress. He signalled he would appoint a new finance minister as part of an entirely new cabinet in the coming days.
His predecessor, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, clashed with the opposition-controlled Congress for much of his 20 months in power as he became ensnared in the Carwash bribery scandal. Kuczynski quit amid allegations he sought to buy votes to avoid impeachment.
“We’re approaching our nation’s bicentenary in a context of instability and institutional turmoil,” Vizcarra said. “What’s happened must mark the end of a policy of hate and confrontation, which has only damaged the country.”
Vizcarra said Peru needs stability and credibility for economic growth and promised to promote private investment while redoubling efforts to rebuild areas devastated by last year’s floods. His goal of resetting relations with the opposition was welcomed by Keiko Fujimori, whose Popular Force party dominates Congress. She said via Twitter she wished him success and called for unity among Peruvians. Vizcarra was received in Congress with a standing ovation by lawmakers, a contrast with Kuczynski, who Popular Force refused to applaud when he was sworn in.
“Political noise is going to subside as Congress doesn’t have the strength or will to continue with this tension,” said Elmer Cuba, a partner at Lima-based Macroconsult. “They’ve said they will support Vizcarra. I’m very optimistic.”
A mild-mannered, former governor from the south of Peru, Vizcarra joined Kuczynski’s campaign as an adviser in 2015 and was elected first vice president in July 2016. He quit as transportation minister in May last year after a spat with lawmakers over an airport contract. Vizcarra donned the presidential sash less than 24 hours after returning from Canada where he had been serving as ambassador since October.