Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

A committee that supervises congressional activities in Peru has agreed to investigate the governor of Puno, Hernan Fuentes Guzman after several accusations were made that Fuentes was misusing the region's funds.

Hildebrando Tapia, a member of Unidad Nacional, a Peruvian right-wing party, made the formal request to have an investigation opened on Hernan Fuentes, the governor who recently proposed to make the region of Puno an independent state.

When supporting his request to have an investigation opened on the regional president, Tapia stated that over the past few days there have been an increased number of charges pressed against the politician, mainly concerning the administration of the region's economy.

"It's time for the congressional committee to get involved and investigate these accusations," said Tapia. Accusations made against Fuentes include spending 8 million soles on tips in 2007 and purchasing a new vehicle in 2008.

Tapia is not the only one that has requested that an investigation be opened, congressional representatives in the region itself have also made the request.

Hernan Fuentes has openly praised the president of Venezuela and asked for his support on several occasions.

Moreover, the Peruvian governor has allowed the establishment of politically controversial programs funded by the Venezuelan and Cuban government in Puno.

He recently claimed he was being politically persecuted and stated he was considering seeking asylum in Venezuela or Bolivia. Near the end of March, Fuentes retracted his statements.