Peru's Vizcarra faces grave challenges in final year

Significance

It was his last such speech, as Peru is entering an election year and has single-term presidencies. Having recently reshuffled his cabinet, Vizcarra is seeking closer relations with business. His plans to reform the political and judicial systems remain far from complete.

Impacts

• The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to affect Peru for at least several more months.
• Steps will probably be taken to streamline investment decisions in the mining sector.
• Conflicts between mining companies and communities over extractive operations will resurface as the COVID-19 shutdown is relaxed.