Reports of Carlos Basombrio
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Peru’s new president needs more than economic smarts
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, or PPK as he is known by Peruvians, was the least likely candidate to win the recent presidential election in Peru. A liberal economist, and at 77 the oldest of 19 first-round candidates, he looks and speaks like a gringo. In fact, it was just six months ...
Dysfunctional politics stands in the way of Peru’s economy
More than 10 years of spectacular economic growth have come to an end in Peru with the conclusion of an era of extraordinarily high commodity prices. This sharp downturn coincides with general elections for the presidency and the legislature. Investors and Peruvians in general are assessing what has been achieved, ...
Peru 2015: inept leadership threatens to undermine growth in spite of strong fundamentals
The last decade and a half of spectacular growth has made Peru a showcase for Latin America’s success. The country has built up a sizeable middle class and reduced poverty. Its democracy is functional and its economic fundamentals are exceptionally strong. Unfortunately, the poor leadership provided by many of Peru’s ...
Crime and corruption add to Peru’s economic woes
Peru’s gold and copper exports have helped it become one of Latin America’s leading economic performers, but falling worldwide mineral prices and internal environmental opposition have hit its trade figures. The government has implemented several economic stimulus measures, but it also has to deal with growing organised crime and corruption. ...
Court ruling gives Peru an opportunity to lead economic growth
Peru has been handicapped for more than 100 years by a border dispute with its neighbour, Chile. An International Court of Justice ruling is set to end the conflict and allow Peru to prosper both individually and as a member of the Pacific Alliance, and to introduce social reforms. But ...
Ollanta Humala’s chance to capitalise on Peru’s economic success
Peru’s President Ollanta Humala made a promise when he became president in 2011 – that he would not seek to hold on to power after his 2016 term ends. But he has been pushing the presidential ambitions of his wife and Peru’s first lady, Nadine Heredia. This was alienating support ...
Guerilla obstacle in the path of Peru’s economic prosperity
Peru is enjoying a period of growth but it is still beset with the long-standing conflict with the Shining Path guerilla group. The insurgents are not the force they once were, but they can still cause trouble for the country’s essential gas supply. PERU has had a good year. It ...
A tough first year for Peru’s President Humala
President Ollanta Humala was elected President of Peru on a wave of popular support, mainly from the country’s poor in 2011. But Mr Humala has moved his political agenda to the right, closely resembling that of previous administrations. The result is that his popularity has fallen in the last 12 ...
