Editorials from El Comercio address political violence, crisis, and sports in Peru.

Last week, the newspaper El Comercio addressed a series of pressing issues in its editorials that reflect the political and social complexity of the region. One of the most concerning events was the aggression suffered by Congresswoman Patricia Chirinos in a bar in Barranco. This incident, which was categorically condemned by the newspaper, illustrates how violence and personal aggression have become normalized in political discourse, a phenomenon that must be eradicated in a healthy democracy. El Comercio emphasized that "personal aggression should never replace democratic forms," reminding us that differences should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. Continuing with the political theme, the President of Congress, Alejandro Salhuana, faces a growing wave of scrutiny just weeks after taking office. The editorial from Tuesday, the 6th, urged the president to fulfill his promise of maintaining "permanent contact" with the media. The lack of transparency and effective communication only intensifies public skepticism toward a leadership that should be proactive and receptive. This call for accountability is fundamental in a context where trust in institutions is at critical levels. On Wednesday, attention turned to the crisis in Venezuela, where the Chavista regime is intensifying criminal prosecution against those who report irregularities in the elections. El Comercio highlighted the urgent need for support and solidarity from democratic nations, emphasizing that negotiations with a regime that undermines freedoms are not the solution. This editorial not only reflects the desperate situation of Venezuelans but also poses an ethical challenge for the international community in its role as protectors of human rights. Thursday was a day of celebration, as Peru achieved an Olympic medal thanks to the outstanding performance of Stefano Peschiera. El Comercio noted that, while the victory is a source of pride, it is essential that the country does not stop at merely winning medals. Structural investment in sports is needed to foster the growth of new talents and, additionally, to instill fundamental values from childhood. Promoting a healthy sporting environment can have positive effects well beyond the competition itself. In the political realm, the editorial on Friday expressed concerns about the Podemos Perú party, which has seen an increase in members with criminal backgrounds. This phenomenon raises serious doubts about the integrity and direction of the party. With a high number of members under investigation or sentenced, the credibility of Podemos Perú is threatened, which may negatively influence public perception of political institutions. On Saturday, El Comercio examined how Nicolás Maduro is trying to silence the few remaining free voices in Venezuela by attacking communication platforms like WhatsApp and X. Such actions not only illustrate a growing repression but also leave the population in a state of helplessness in the face of censorship. The fight for freedom of expression is, in this context, more crucial than ever. Finally, on Sunday, the situation of Eliane Karp, former First Lady of Peru, who has been hiding in Israel since May 2023, was highlighted. El Comercio suggested that the plot surrounding her could take time to unravel. This uncertainty not only affects Karp and her family but also has broader political repercussions, given the context surrounding the story of former president Alejandro Toledo. In summary, El Comercio's editorials this week address a combination of political violence, international crisis, the value of sports, and the integrity of institutions. This multifaceted approach underscores the urgent need for constructive dialogue and concrete actions that promote a stronger democracy and a more united society. In a world full of challenges, the responsibility lies not only with leaders but also with each of us as citizens committed to change and improving our environment.