The pardon granted to ex-President Alberto Fujimori and the frustrated impeachment attempt against President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski were the two biggest political events this year.
During the summer, Coastal El Niño phenomenon disasters —characterized by heavy rains, landslides and floods— wreaked havoc in northern Peru, leaving death and destruction, but also showing Peruvians' solidarity with each other.
Ups and downs of Chinchero International Airport's construction in Cusco, the no-confidence vote against Fernando Zavala's Ministerial Cabinet, as well as Odebrecht-related corruption allegations were also part of the political landscape this past year.
Below is a list of 2017's major news stories in Peru.
February 4
Peruvian
police raided the home of former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo. A witness said he would have received US$20 million from the Brazilian conglomerate to secure the Inter-oceanic Highway contract. The Judiciary asked that Toledo be placed under preventive detention for an 18-month period.
February 24
Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski
met with United States counterpart Donald Trump at the White House. The U.S. leader announced he will visit Peru to attend the Summit of the Americas.
March 14
April 19
Brave military commandos who rescued MRTA hostages at the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima were named "Heroes of Democracy" by Parliament. Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski
honored the military operation members as well.
May 9
Peru created the Authority for
Reconstruction with Changes plan, whose budget amounts to S/25 billion (US$7.7 billion) to rebuild northern regions in Peru with the participation of regional and municipal governments.
May 22
Peru's First-Vice President Martin
Vizcarra stepped down as Transport and Communications Minister following questionings regarding Chinchero International Airport Project. He was previously summoned to Congress.
May 17
Former Cusco Regional Governor Jorge Acurio Tito was
detained over Odebrecht bribery allegations. According to the Prosecutor's Office, the ex-governor received a US$3-million bribe from the Brazilian construction giant to secure a major highway project in the Imperial City.
June 2
June 21
Peruvian Economy and Finance Minister Alfredo Thorne
lost a confidence vote at Congress. Following the result, he confirmed his resignation from the Executive Branch.
July 7
The Governments of Peru and Chile held the first
Binational Cabinet, a high-level meeting covering common-agenda topics to forge closer ties.
July 11
July 13
July 26
August 8
Foreign Affairs
Ministers from the Americas met at the Peruvian Foreign Ministry headquarters in Lima to assess the situation of Venezuela in response to the opening of its controversial Constituent Assembly.
September 12
The country commemorates 25 years of the capture of Peru's most wanted terrorist,
Abimael Guzman. He was captured on September 12th, 1992, marking the defeat of Shining Path —the most bloodthirsty and cruel terrorist group the country has ever seen.
September 13
Peruvian Government decided to submit a
confidence motion on behalf of the Council of Ministers, following Fuerza Popular party's decision to proceed with a censure motion against Education Minister Marilu Martens. The Congress voted no-confidence, forcing Cabinet resignation.
December 4
Four Peruvian entrepreneurs linked to Brazilian construction company Odebrecht were transferred from a Justice Palace's detention cell to Lima region's Ancon No. 1 prison facilities.
December 21
Congress voted against passing the
impeachment motion that sought to oust President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, after a long debate initiated at the Legislative Palace. The impeachment required 87 votes in favor (two-thirds) out of 130 to succeed. A total of 79 legislators voted in favor, there were 19 votes against and 21 abstentions.
December 24
(END) FHG/SMA/RMB
Published: 12/31/2017