Peruvian Congress dismisses transport minister over corruption allegations

The Plenum of the Peruvian Congress has reprimanded (dismissed) the Minister of Transport and Communications, Geiner Alvarado, after he was accused of alleged cases of corruption in the current government.

“With 94 votes in favor, 14 against, and 8 abstentions, the Plenum of Congress approved Motion 3863, which proposes the removal of the Minister of Transport and Communications, Geiner Alvarado,” the Parliament announced through its Twitter account.

Con 94 votos a favor, 14 en contra y 8 abstenciones, el #PlenoDelCongreso aprobó la Moción 3863, que propone la censura del ministro de Transportes y Comunicaciones, Geiner Alvarado. pic.twitter.com/jj7KzQn8Vj

— Congreso del Perú 🇵🇪 (@congresoperu) September 15, 2022

Alvarado was in charge of the Housing and Construction Department in 2021.

According to the prosecutor’s investigation, during his tenure, the dismissed official was part of a mafia-like organization involved in awarding public works to private companies in exchange for economic benefits.

The plenum of Congress dismissed him because he is not fit to hold public office, as Alvarado is under investigation for three other alleged corruption offenses in addition to the one mentioned above.

President Pedro Castillo is also implicated in these investigations.

Once dismissed, the minister must submit his resignation, and the president is required to accept it and appoint a successor.

On September 10, Peru’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Luis Rivera, resigned after being sentenced to six years in prison for corruption.