Peruvian congressional travel expenditures have come under intense scrutiny following investigative reports detailing high-cost international missions by legislators. Data compiled by the El Comercio investigative unit reveals that members of the Peruvian Congress incurred significant state expenses for trips to Europe, North America, and South America, with individual missions costing as much as S/ 31,171.
High-Cost Missions: The Financial Breakdown
Financial records indicate that international travel by Peruvian congressmen involves substantial public funding. Waldemar Cerrón, first vice president of the Congress, and his advisor, Natalia Jiménez, generated a combined expenditure exceeding S/ 50,000 for a single week-long trip to Europe. Reports note that as a member of the Mesa Directiva, Cerrón was in a position to approve his own travel request.
Other notable expenditures include:
- Ernesto Bustamante (Fuerza Popular): Recorded the highest individual monthly flight cost at S/ 31,171 for a trip to Azerbaijan (May 16–23).
- Maria del Carmen Alva (Acción Popular): Incurred costs of S/ 16,215 for a mission to Serbia.
- North American Trips: A group consisting of Juan Carlos Lizarzaburu (APP), Arturo Zeballos (Renovación Popular), Magally Santisteban (Fuerza Popular), and advisor Patrick Allemant spent over S/ 51,000 on travel to the United States.
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The cost of travel is often compounded by the number of participants. For instance, the trip to Canada taken by Heidy Juárez, Ilich López, and Patricia Juárez resulted in a combined state disbursement of S/ 46,104.85.
Conflicting Accounts on Travel Authorization
A recurring theme in the investigation is the discrepancy between legislators’ claims and the office of the President of the Congress. Both Ernesto Bustamante and Patricia Juárez stated they traveled at the “special request” of the President of the Congress, Fernando Rospigliosi.
However, Rospigliosi disputed these claims when contacted by El Comercio. He maintained that he does not request that members “travel in his representation,” asserting instead that congressmen typically attend events based on independent invitations. Patricia Juárez later clarified that her travel was specifically to attend the Parlaméricas summit.
Regional Missions and Ongoing Scrutiny
Beyond transcontinental travel, missions to neighboring countries also account for significant portions of the legislative budget. A congressional delegation to Brazil—comprising Elvis Vergara (Acción Popular), Eduardo Salhuana (APP), and José Jerí (Somos Perú)—cost the state over S/ 20,000 for flights. Additionally, missions to Mexico by Jorge Flores Ancachi, Elizabeth Taipe, and Ana Zegarra resulted in individual costs of various amounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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