Peru · POLITICS
Key Facts
- —What happened Peru’s police chief Óscar Arriola cannot be fired before September 2027 under Law 31570.
- —How big a jump The 2022 law sets a fixed two-year term, blocking early removal by the Interior Ministry.
- —The catch Congress itself, not President Keiko Fujimori’s government, voted the law in by insisting over a veto.
- —Where it stands Cabinet chief Luis Galarreta wants legislative powers to rewrite the law, but no proposal exists yet.
- —What comes next A congressional vote on granting those powers could take months, leaving Arriola in office meanwhile.
Peru’s government wants to change a law that shields the police chief, but the process could take months.
The Peru police chief cannot be removed before his term ends. Law 31570 fixes a two-year term for the commander general of the Peruvian National Police.
The Peru police chief therefore stays until September 2027.
The Law That Protects the Peru Police Chief
Law 31570 sets a two-year term for the commander general of the Peruvian National Police. It also prevents his removal before that period, except for very specific causes.
The causes are death, a voluntary request for retirement, permanent physical incapacity or very serious misconduct. A final judicial sentence for an intentional crime, or a crime in flagrante, also count.
In short, the law gives the Peru police chief strong job security.
How the Law Came to Be
The law was approved by the previous Congress during the government of Pedro Castillo. It was promulgated by that Congress by insistence, meaning Congress overrode the president and enacted the law itself.
Therefore, the law has been in place since 2022, even though it was passed during a turbulent political period. The current government now faces the consequences.
The Interior Minister’s Statement
On 21 August 2026, Interior Minister César Astudillo addressed Congress. He said the outgoing Congress approved a law that prevents the removal of the commander general.
He explained that the law prohibits it, and that the officer has to serve two years. As a result, the Interior Ministry has no legal room to replace the chief early, according to reporting.
Cabinet Chief Admits a Mistake
Luis Galarreta, president of the Council of Ministers and head of Cabinet, acknowledged a possible mistake. In an interview with RPP reported on 21 August 2026, he said Fuerza Popular promoted the law during Pedro Castillo’s government.
He said the Cabinet would seek to change it through an upcoming request for legislative powers. This is a process where the executive asks Congress for authority to legislate by decree on defined subjects for a set period.
The Current Peru Police Chief
Óscar Arriola has been commander general of the Peruvian National Police since October 2025. Under Law 31570, his term runs to September 2027.
So, the Peru police chief is protected by the law until then, unless one of the specific causes applies. No such cause has been reported.
Political Context
Peru’s president is Keiko Fujimori, in office since 28 July 2026. Her government is now dealing with a law that limits its power over the police.
Meanwhile, the law was a product of the previous Congress, which was controlled by different forces. This adds a layer of complexity to the current situation.
The Path to Change
Galarreta said the Cabinet would seek to change the law through a request for legislative powers. So far that is an intention, not a text before Congress.
The process would require Congress to grant the authority, which may not be quick. Therefore, the Peru police chief could remain in place for a while.
What This Means for Governance
The law leaves the Interior Ministry with no legal room to replace the chief early, according to reporting. This means the government must work with Arriola until his term ends.
In addition, the law’s existence shows how legislation can have long-lasting effects. Even so, the government is exploring ways to change it.
Looking Ahead
The government’s plan is to request legislative powers to modify the law. Nothing has been put to a vote yet.
In short, the Peru police chief remains protected by Law 31570. The coming months will show whether the government can find a legal path to change that.
More: Peru news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Law 31570 do?
Law 31570 fixes a two-year term for the commander general of the Peruvian National Police. It prevents his removal before that period, except for specific causes like death, voluntary retirement, or serious misconduct.
Who is the current Peru police chief?
Óscar Arriola has been commander general of the Peruvian National Police since October 2025. Under Law 31570, his term runs to September 2027.
Why can’t the government remove the police chief?
The law prohibits removal before the two-year term is complete, unless one of the listed causes applies. The Interior Ministry has no legal room to replace the chief early, according to reporting.
What is the government doing about it?
Cabinet chief Luis Galarreta said the government would seek to change the law through a request for legislative powers. That is an intention, not a text before Congress.
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Sources: Infobae; RPP; La República.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief