Peru’s Prime Minister Otarola resigns amid affair allegations

Peru’s Prime Minister Alberto Otarola resigned on Tuesday amid allegations of using his influence to aid a young woman he was recorded speaking affectionately to

Peru’s Prime Minister Alberto Otarola stepped down on Tuesday following accusations of using his influence to assist a young woman whom he is believed to have spoken affectionately to in a recording released by the media. 

Otarola informed the press in Lima that he had informed the president of his decision to offer his resignation. 

A recording circulated by Peruvian media alleged that Otarola had tried to manipulate government contracts by conversing with a woman who later secured positions in various government capacities. 

He claimed that the recording, purportedly from 2021 when he was not in office, had been tampered with and distorted as part of a scheme orchestrated by his political adversaries. He had previously refuted any wrongdoing following the release of the recording. 

Following the audio leak, Foreign Minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea announced on Tuesday that Peruvian President Dina Boluarte would be restructuring her cabinet as part of a broader revamp of the government’s policies. 

Otarola’s resignation also requires the other 18 cabinet members to step down in accordance with Peruvian legislation. Boluarte can choose to reappoint the existing cabinet members or choose new ministers. 

Source: Reuters