LIMA (Reuters) – Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra on Thursday appointed retired General Walter Martos, the country’s new defense minister, following a closet reorganization following a confrontation with the opposition Congress.
Vizcarra appointed the lawyer Luis Inchishategui to head the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Peru’s economy, which is heading for its worst decline in a century due to prolonged blockade of the coronavirus pandemic, relies heavily on mining. The country is the world’s largest copper producer.
In total, Vizcarra made five adjustments to his cabinet of 19 ministers, adding the Prime Minister. It’s time for the reorganization of the company in about 3 weeks.
Inchishategui, who is Deputy Minister of Mines, has extensive experience in the personal sector and has worked as a lawyer for several firms, adding South African Gold Fields.
The Minister of Economy and Finance, Marie Antoinette Alva, will be in her charge, Vizcarra said.
The Peruvian Congress on Tuesday rejected a vote by then-Prime Minister Pedro Cateriano. The turmoil has undermined the government’s plan to revive the Andean Nation’s economy in struggle.
Reporting through Marco Aquino; written through Cassandra Garrison and Hugh Bronstein; edited through Chris Reese and Bill Berkrot
All quotes were delayed for at least 15 minutes. See here for a complete list of transactions and delays.
© 2020 Reuters. All rights are reserved.