Bishops call on Peruvians to work for development based on justice

Published: 2004-02-24

LIMA, Peru (CNS) -- Amid a political crisis marked by corruption allegations and a Cabinet shake-up, the Peruvian bishops' conference called on Peruvians to work for "development based on justice, truth and solidarity." Bishop Juan Larraneta Olleta of Puerto Maldonado, secretary-general of the bishops' conference, said the message "responds to public concern and the uncertainty in the country at the moment." It came at a time when President Alejandro Toledo, whose campaign pledges included fighting corruption and creating jobs, has been dogged by accusations of poor management, nepotism, political patronage and corruption in his administration. Toledo's approval rating, which had slid into the single digits, edged back above 10 percent after he shuffled his Cabinet in mid-February and made overtures to political parties. The bishops' statement was partly prompted by Toledo's lack of popular support. Within the past three years, presidents in Argentina, Ecuador and Bolivia have been forced out of office by street protests when they lost popular support.

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