"A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin."

~ H. L. Mencken

Peru halts Latin America’s leftish winds

Posted: June 5th, 2006 | Author: Aaron | Filed under: economics, politics, polls, usa |

In a stark rebuke to Venezuela’s loudmouth President, Hugo Chávez, the people of Peru have elected a more traditional president, the corrupt, Washington leaning, Alan García.

García left office in 1990 amid rising violence, corruption charges, social collapse, blackouts, and the hallmark of all good Latin American economies, hyperinflation.

From The New York Times:

…With 77 percent of the vote tabulated, electoral authorities said Mr. García had captured more than 55 percent of the vote versus 44 percent for his opponent, Ollanta Humala, an upstart nationalist who promised to redistribute the country’s wealth.

[...]

“Tonight, the country has sent a message of sovereignty and national independence and defeated Mr. Hugo Chávez’s efforts to incorporate us in his expansionist strategy,” said Mr. García, whose victory is sure to please the Bush administration.

Traditionalists among you, will be delighted to know that there are now two South American economies, which will remain financial basket cases, tied to the neoliberal policies of the IMF and World Bank.

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3 Comments on “Peru halts Latin America’s leftish winds”

  1. 1 Jose said at 9:00 am on June 5th, 2006:

    I do not agree, I am sorry. Peru is not Venezuela or Bolivia, but the Peruvians have made an enormous mistake, because Alan Garcia has needed the votes from the right to get that majority, and that fact will exact its due some time in the future. Else, Alan Garcia has not the majoritary support from the Congress.

    The fight for power in Peru gas tilted the balance in favour of a Leftist, not to the indigenes, because it was an indigene that led Peru until these elections, Toledo. And he failed in his duty.

    Even so the outcome 55 - 44 is not something to be taken so slightly.

  2. 2 tyger said at 9:24 am on June 5th, 2006:

    I bow to your better Latin knowledge Jose.

    I am aware the Indigenous parties control the congress, which they won earlier in the year, and that Mr. Garcia is a left-of-centre politician, but he will be a Washington stooge, no doubt.

  3. 3 Jose said at 5:57 pm on June 5th, 2006:

    Anyhow, Tyger, his campaign has been based on the same motivations as his opponent. But as you rightly say he will be a Washington stooge. That Peruvians lack political education is shown by the fact that they have voted a man who ruined their country and led it to violence and, I think, still has problems with Justice. I heard him shout at a meeting : “I will fight for the Peruvian people even if I have to die in the attempt”.
    Demagogical, don’t you think? Because I do not believe he will die for it