POLITICAL TROUBLE
The administration of Belatinde Terry is reported by the press to be in a "delicate" condition. The coalition between Belainde's Popular Action party and the Christian Democrats is showing signs of strain in face of deepening unrest resulting from drastic devaluation of the sol. [See World Outlook November 10, page 910.]
The Christian Democrats suffered a split recently and a new party was formed, the Popular Christian party. Belainde, who has been casting about for support from any and all quarters in order to shore up his deteriorating position, made a deal with the leaders of the new formation.
The Christian Democrats thereupon attacked Belatinde, taking the very principled stand that he has not carried out his promises concerning an agrarian reform for Peru.
The two Christian Democrats in Belainde's cabinet announced November 12 that they intended to resign. It remains to be seen whether Belafinde can patch up the differences.
Partial legislative elections held
November 12 in the departments of Lima
and Libertad also spelled trouble for
Belafinde. The opposition won by a landslide
in both departments.
The "opposition" consists of the
party of Odria, a former dictator, and
the APRA [Alianza Popular Revolucionaria
Americana]. They already hold a majority
in parliament. A further strengthening
of their position makes it more difficult
for Belatinde to maintain his equilibrium.
In addition, while the vote is re-
stricted to a small minority in Peru, the
returns are watched for indications of
deeper changes in the political situation.
The real power, of course, is the
army and it may intervene as it has in
the past if the situation becomes criti-
cal. At the same time, the working class
has been moving into action recently in
opposition to the skyrocketing cost of
living. The shifts on the electoral front
and in the administration are but pale
and distant reflections of the movement
of the class forces in Peru.