The Diplomat
Peru’s ambassador to Spain, Óscar Maúrtua, remains in his post at the diplomatic representation, serving as acting ambassador, after submitting his resignation hours after Pedro Castillo’s self-coup d’état from the country’s presidency took place
Maúrtua, a veteran diplomat who was Peru’s foreign minister for less than six months under Castillo, announced his resignation via the embassy’s social networks, in disagreement with the president’s actions in dissolving parliament and decreeing a government of emergency.
However, the ambassador has decided to remain in Madrid, carrying out the functions of his post, at the head of the embassy, which is working normally, while waiting for the new Peruvian government, headed by Dina Boluarte, to decide whether to accept his resignation or ask him to continue in his post.
In recent days, Óscar Maúrtua has made statements to various media about the unstable situation in his country. In an interview on the COPE programme La Linterna, the ambassador said: “Next year there must be political reforms because this political instability that the country is experiencing, this succession of so many governments in so few years, is inconceivable, unprecedented. There are gaps that need to be addressed, reforms that need to be specified, which is the work of Congress. Peru is a big, strong and tough country, and we will move forward because we have always done so”.
He added: “From here I call on all political actors, and the more than 300,000 Peruvians who live here. I want them to be aware that the executive and legislative powers have to drop their attitudes in order to contribute to the restoration of political stability in Peru”.
On the other hand, in an interview published in the religious portal Exaudi, the ambassador considers that Castillo was not well advised and says he trusts that the judicial authorities will be able to “clarify the facts and impose the corresponding sanctions”.
Maúrtua also affirms that “at a time of political crisis, social tension and public uncertainty in the country, it is positive that there is a clear and unequivocal recognition that democracy in Peru cannot be mortgaged”.
