Multiple projects urgently need funding, Peru's president: will not purchase fighter jets from the U.S.

[Global Times Comprehensive Report] Peru's "Republic" reported on the 23rd that President Boluarte reiterated on the 22nd that he would not purchase F-16 fighter jets from the United States, and that the next government would decide which company to award the procurement contract to. Boluarte stated that purchasing these aircraft would impose a huge financial burden, and the current government already has several established matters that urgently require funding.

Boluarte announced last week the postponement of the procurement of F-16 fighter jets from the United States. At that time, the U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Navarro, threatened on social media that if the Peruvian government lacked sincerity in negotiations with the U.S. and harmed American interests, he, as a representative of the U.S. government, "would certainly use all available means" to respond.

Peru's Defense Minister Díaz and Foreign Minister De Sela resigned on the 22nd in dissatisfaction with Boluarte's decision to postpone the military purchase. "Republic" reported that Prime Minister Arroyo distanced himself from the president on the 22nd, believing that the postponement of the procurement "damages the country's credibility." People's Action Party member López announced that he would initiate a motion of no confidence against the president. Congressman Luke stated that some parties want to "remove" the president over the issue of aircraft procurement.

On the 22nd, Boluarte also stated that postponing the procurement of U.S. fighter jets was to ensure that public funds are "used reasonably and appropriately," and emphasized that there is no intention to confront the United States. Later that day, Boluarte appointed Carcaniño as the new Minister of Defense.

In February of this year, former President Castillo was impeached by Congress, and then-Congress President Boluarte took over as president, leading a transitional government until the new president took office in July. Peru held the first round of presidential elections on the 12th of this month, and the official final results have not yet been announced. Al Jazeera reported on the 22nd that Peru is mired in a chaotic presidential campaign, with repeated delays in the counting process. Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori is likely to advance to the second round, but it remains unknown who will compete with her. Leftist Congressman Sánchez is currently leading in the race for second place, with far-right candidate Aliaga closely following behind. (Wang Yi)