Peru's Garcia announces reductions for 82 social programs

[Judi Lynn]

Politics | 2 February, 2007 < 13:11 >

Peru's Garcia announces reductions for 82 social programs
© LIP

(LIP-jl) -- Peruvian President Alan Garcia Perez announced that 82 social programs will be substantially reduced beginning next week.

Garcia stated the move is designed to reorganize the state's administration of these programs by eliminating programs that repeat the same duties and functions that various Ministries already perform.

"It is time for the government to perform a profound self analysis. We need to revolutionize our administrative practice and capabilities. We need to revolutionize our administrative and bureaucratic costs," stated the Peruvian leader.

The move is in line with Garcia's governmental "austerity" philosophy.

Since taking office last July, Garcia has been "trimming bureaucratic fat" by reducing congressional salaries, governmental expense accounts, and even reducing the use of the Peruvian presidential airplane, opting for cheaper commercial flights instead.
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http://www.livinginperu.com/news/3132

[Judi Lynn]

1. Peru evaluates options to build more prisons in wake of recent riots

Peru | 2 February, 2007 < 13:38 >

Peru evaluates options to build more prisons in wake of recent riots

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Peruvian Prime Minister Jorge Del Castillo

© LIP
(LIP-jl) -- The Peruvian government is currently evaluating the possible construction of new prisons in an attempt to reduce inmate overpopulation in Peru's antiquated prison system.

At a press conference held in the Peruvian capital, Peruvian Prime Minister Jorge Del Castillo qualified the idea of convoking the private sector to aid in the construction of future prisons as "an excellent alternative."

"Associating ourselves with the private sector to build more prisons is an excellent idea. We need move forward with this idea and incorporate the presence of private industry," declared Del Castillo to Andina News Agency.

In reference to the recent prison riots in Lima and Tacna, Del Castillo commented that prison officials have taken preventative measures to avoid new riots and disturbances from occurring.
(snip/...)

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/3133