Political crisis in Peru: disconnection between citizens and their representatives.

The political situation in Peru presents itself as a complex and concerning phenomenon. In a context where traditional institutions seem to have lost their effectiveness, the country has witnessed the emergence of a new order that, although chaotic and patrimonialist, offers a semblance of stability. This new scenario has transformed the way political actors interact with power, leading them to seek not only to maintain hegemony but also to forge structures that allow them to maximize personal benefit at the expense of the common good. In this new context, congress members have made decisions that seem disconnected from the reality faced by citizens. The possibility of transforming the Porras Barrenechea hall into a salsa dance venue reflects how the legislators' priorities have strayed from their fundamental duty: to represent and defend the interests of the population. This behavior is particularly irritating for citizens who, despite their efforts to express their discontent, find themselves in a system that appears impervious to their indignation. The reaction of politicians to popular rejection, as in the case of María Agüero in Arequipa, reveals a disturbing double standard. While they tear their garments over the lack of respect for institutions, the very actors who cry out for respect are the ones who continue to act without accountability, spending resources on frivolous trips and reinforcing the impunity that harms democracy so much. This dissonance between politicians' expectations and social reality highlights the disconnect that exists between both worlds. The perception that Peru has fallen into a "desformal" society leads us to question the role of institutions in political life. It is not that there are no forms that contain individuals and collectives, but rather that these have been transformed and distorted to serve particular interests. The institutions that once promised to be pillars of democracy have become vehicles for corruption and abuse of power, favoring mafias and interest groups that operate outside the law. In this environment, organized crime has found fertile ground to expand. The interaction between politicians and mobsters is becoming increasingly evident, with individuals seeking economic returns rather than representing the electorate. This predatory order that has been established has changed the rules of the political game, where personal interest has taken precedence over collective interest. The new political leaders seem to have abandoned the idea of a revolution or significant change in favor of a more utilitarian approach: conquering parcels of power to enrich their own fortunes. Anne Applebaum argues in her latest book that behind modern autocrats lies a vast network of businesses and financial flows that move between different nations. This observation is crucial to understanding the current dynamics in Peru, where politicians, mafias, and economic groups have shaped a new order that feeds on the weakness of the state and the disconnection from citizens. This interrelation between political power and organized crime not only threatens the integrity of institutions but also endangers the security and well-being of society as a whole. The challenge facing Peru is monumental. The lack of trust in democratic institutions, combined with the erosion of the rule of law, has created a climate of despair in which many citizens feel they have no voice or vote in the direction the country is taking. The response to this dilemma cannot be mere indignation; it requires deep analysis and a genuine commitment from all social actors to rebuild trust between the state and citizens. It is evident that the path to significant change will not be easy, but it is imperative that serious dialogues about institutional reform begin. Citizens deserve representatives who act in their benefit and commit to combating corruption and the abuse of power. This involves not only a review of current structures but also a change in the political culture that fosters transparency and accountability. Ultimately, this is a struggle for the future of the country. Institutions and political power must be returned to the citizens, and for this, it is essential to promote the active participation of society in the political process. Only then can we aspire to a fairer and more equitable order, where the general interest prevails over personal ambitions and where democracy regains its original purpose: to serve the people and not the interests of a few.