Uncertainty lingers as Peru edges closer to Castillo presidency

Leftist Pedro Castillo is expected to be confirmed as Peru’s president this month, but many of his policies are unclear.

Lima, Peru – With the world’s highest reported coronavirus death toll per capita and a third wave expected to start washing over the country later this month, Peru’s COVID-19 vaccination programme could hardly be more critical. And as the inoculation effort of outgoing interim President Francisco Sagasti picks up steam, the government has recommended that apparent incoming President Pedro Castillo avoid any disruptions by keeping on the health ministry officials overseeing it. “It would give a lot of tranquility,” said Camille Webb, an infectious diseases expert at Lima’s Alexander von Humboldt Institute of Tropical Medicine. “It would be the most prudent thing and also the politically most intelligent.”