Overview
- A verbal altercation erupted in the Senate Commission of Constitution during a session to review the executive request for delegated legislative powers on public security, with Interior Minister César Astudillo and Senator Iber Maraví trading heated exchanges on Saturday.
- President Keiko Fujimori publicly defended Astudillo at an Army headquarters event and cabinet ministers said the government stands united behind the minister, framing the incident as opposition obstruction.
- Videos and press reports show the debate was suspended for about ten minutes after the clash and that the confrontation continued during the break with other senators and Justice Minister Ernesto Álvarez becoming involved.
- Opposition senators including Ruth Luque and Mirtha Vásquez said they will not back granting the government delegated security faculties, citing lack of trust and demanding stronger civilian oversight, clearer use-of-force protocols and independent investigations of alleged abuses.
- The commission will resume consideration of the delegation request in further sessions, and the episode could complicate the government’s security push by intensifying calls for police reform, increasing political polarization and shaping how lawmakers condition any transfer of powers.