Alan Garcia vs Martin Vizcarra

Alan García assumed the presidency of Peru at age 36. His administration implemented heterodox economic policies, including price controls and a refusal to pay foreign debt. This led to hyperinflation exceeding 7,000% annually, economic collapse, and the rise of the Shining Path insurgency.

García won a second term, this time pursuing free-market policies. His administration oversaw a period of strong economic growth driven by high commodity prices and foreign investment. He signed a free trade agreement with the United States and expanded social programs, reducing poverty.

García was implicated in the Odebrecht corruption scandal, accused of receiving bribes during his second term. Facing imminent arrest, he shot himself in his home in Lima. His death ended a major corruption investigation and highlighted the widespread impact of the Odebrecht case in Latin America.

Martín Vizcarra, then First Vice President, succeeded to the presidency after the resignation of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. His ascension was seen as a chance to restore public trust in government amid widespread corruption.

President Vizcarra dissolved the Peruvian Congress after it refused to hold a vote of confidence on his anti-corruption reforms. This triggered a constitutional crisis, but Vizcarra called for new legislative elections, which were held in 2020.

Vizcarra was impeached by the new Congress on charges of corruption and moral incapacity, and removed from office. His removal was highly controversial, with many seeing it as a political maneuver by the opposition, and it sparked widespread protests.