In his inaugural speech, Peru's newly elected President José María Balcázar emphasized the need for unity over division, promising a peaceful democratic transition and calling for confidence in the upcoming elections.
In his first address as president of Peru, José María Balcázar called for national unity by stating that it is 'not time to fight' and rejecting traditional political classifications of 'right' and 'left'. He suggested that these terms were created during the French Revolution and lack relevance in Peru's current political landscape. Balcázar, who secured his presidency in a runoff against María del Carmen Alva, emphasized the importance of building a truly democratic system that transcends partisan divisions.
Balcázar reassured Peruvians of a 'peaceful electoral democratic transition' and insisted on the legitimacy of the upcoming general elections scheduled for April. He urged citizens to have no doubt about the electoral process, suggesting that confidence in the democratic system is essential for the political culture and governance of the nation. His words reflect a desire to establish stability in a politically fragmented environment that has seen significant unrest.
The remarks from Balcázar highlight the challenges facing his administration amid a divisive political climate. He acknowledges that 'democracy is not functioning' and warns that without necessary corrections and reforms, the situation could deteriorate in the future. His call for unity and collaboration is significant in a context marked by previous political turmoil, setting the tone for his presidency and the upcoming elections.
