Introduction
The removal of Desaforan a Betssy Chávez has sparked significant debate in Peruvian politics. Her case is closely linked to the institutional crisis that unfolded after Pedro Castillo’s attempted self-coup in December 2022. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Chávez’s career, the reasons behind her removal, and the legal and political implications of her case.
Who Is Desaforan a Betssy Chávez?
Background and Education
Betssy Betzabet Chávez Chino was born on June 3, 1989, in Ciudad Nueva, Tacna, Peru. She pursued a law degree at the National University Jorge Basadre Grohmann, later completing a master’s in Constitutional Law.
During her university years, she actively participated in student organizations, developing a political profile that would later help her enter formal politics.
Political Career
Her political career began in 2014 when she unsuccessfully ran for a regional council seat in Tacna. However, her persistence led her to join the left-wing party Perú Libre, under which she was elected as a congresswoman in 2021.
As a congresswoman, she became a vocal supporter of President Pedro Castillo, which allowed her to quickly rise in political influence, holding multiple ministerial positions in a short period.
Government Positions
Minister of Labor and Employment Promotion
In October 2021, Chávez was appointed Minister of Labor. Her tenure was marked by a controversial decision to authorize an air traffic controllers’ strike, severely disrupting travel during a peak tourism period.
Criticism over her handling of the situation led to her censure by Congress in May 2022, making her the first minister in Castillo’s administration to be removed through a congressional vote.
Minister of Culture
In August 2022, she was appointed Minister of Culture. During her tenure, she made controversial statements on social media, clashing with various state institutions. While her time in the position did not bring major reforms, it further fueled tensions between the executive and legislative branches.
President of the Council of Ministers
On November 25, 2022, Chávez was appointed President of the Council of Ministers. At this time, Castillo’s government was already facing significant instability.
Her tenure was short-lived, as she resigned on December 7, 2022, following Castillo’s announcement to dissolve Congress—an event that would later lead to her removal from office.
The December 7, 2022, Crisis and Her Removal
Castillo’s Attempted Self-Coup
On December 7, 2022, Pedro Castillo declared the dissolution of Congress and the establishment of an emergency government.
This move was widely condemned as an attempted self-coup. Congress immediately voted to remove Castillo from office, and security forces arrested him.
As President of the Council of Ministers at the time, Betssy Chávez was accused of being directly involved in the coup attempt, allegedly coordinating actions to support Castillo’s plan.
Legal Investigation and Charges
Following the events, the Peruvian Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against Chávez, accusing her of rebellion and conspiracy.
Congressional Removal Process
Her removal followed a formal constitutional process in Congress:
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- Filing of a Constitutional Complaint
- The Attorney General’s Office submitted a complaint against Chávez for her involvement in the coup attempt.
- Filing of a Constitutional Complaint
- Review by the Congressional Permanent Commission
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- The Permanent Commission reviewed and approved the complaint, sending it to the full Congress for debate.
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- Vote in Congress
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- On March 22, 2023, Congress approved the charges against Chávez with 66 votes in favor, 15 against, and 3 abstentions.
This decision stripped her of her parliamentary immunity, allowing legal proceedings against her to move forward.
Legal Consequences
Judicial Investigation and Preventive Detention
Following her removal, Chávez was formally included in a preliminary judicial investigation.
In June 2023, the Peruvian Judiciary ordered her preventive detention for 18 months, citing flight risk and potential obstruction of justice.
She was arrested at her home in Tacna and transferred to Lima, where she remains under investigation.
Potential Sentences
If convicted of rebellion and conspiracy, Chávez could face 10 to 20 years in prison. Additionally, she would be permanently disqualified from holding public office.
Political Impact of Her Removal
Peru’s Institutional Crisis
Chávez’s case is part of a broader political crisis in Peru. Her removal and arrest have been used by different factions to support their political narratives:
- Government supporters argue that her removal was an arbitrary political move against left-wing figures.
- Opposition groups claim that her removal was necessary to hold those responsible for the coup accountable.
Congressional Replacement
Following her vacated congressional seat, her substitute, Isaac Mita Alanoca, assumed office. His appointment has been seen as an effort to maintain Perú Libre’s presence in Parliament.
National and International Reactions
Position of the Peruvian Congress and Government
Congress has defended Chávez’s removal as a constitutional and necessary step to ensure accountability.
However, some government officials have criticized the speed of the proceedings, alleging that political motivations played a role in her case.
International Organizations
Several human rights organizations have been closely monitoring Chávez’s case. While they recognize the seriousness of the charges against her, they have also warned against the use of legal proceedings for political persecution.
Public Opinion and Citizen Perception
Chávez’s removal has generated mixed reactions among the Peruvian public.
- Some believe her removal and arrest were necessary to ensure justice and accountability.
- Others argue that the case highlights political bias within the Peruvian justice system.
Public surveys indicate that a majority support her removal, but a significant portion of the population distrusts the judicial process.
Conclusion
The removal of Desaforan a Betssy Chávez is a pivotal event in Peru’s ongoing political crisis. Her rapid rise in politics, close ties to Pedro Castillo, and role in the attempted dissolution of Congress have placed her at the center of a high-stakes legal battle.
Beyond her individual case, her removal reflects Peru’s institutional weaknesses, including deep political polarization, legislative-executive conflicts, and the use of legal mechanisms for political ends.
The future of Desaforan a Betssy Chávez will depend on the progress of her trial and how Peru’s political landscape evolves in the coming years.
