Pedro Castillo and Keiko Fujimori will debate this Saturday in Peru

Peruvian presidential candidates Pedro Castillo Yes Keiko Fujimori they confirmed that they will debate this Saturday in the northern province of Chota, after challenging himself throughout this week to face his government’s plans.

After overcoming a health problem that forced him to suspend his scheduled activities in Lima, Castillo traveled this Friday to Chota, his hometown, where he summoned Fujimori for a first unofficial debate.

The candidate accepted the challenge and confirmed that she will be present at 13:00 (18:00 GMT) this Saturday in the Plaza de Armas of this city, located more than 960 kilometers from Lima.

THE CHALLENGE OF FUJIMORISM

The far left party Free peru reported this Friday on his official Twitter account that Castillo returns to Chota after overcoming respiratory decompensation that he suffered when he arrived in Lima on Thursday.

“Our candidate Pedro Castillo goes to Chota to show Fujimori that we are going for change, for hope and not for business continuity“Assured the group.

This decision was announced hours after the representative of Free Peru in Chota, Víctor Cabrera, announced that the debate would not take place because “the necessary conditions” did not exist in that city.

However, after a meeting with the municipal authorities, Cabrera assured reporters that the security problems had already been overcome and that “the recommendation is that the two candidates respect the population”.

“We don’t want insults, but proposals,” he said.

CONFIRMATION OF FUJIMORISM

This information was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Fujimori party in Chota, Samuel mejia, who announced that it had been suggested to discuss the proposals to deal with the health and economic crisis in the country, as well as the projects of each candidate for education and the fight against corruption.

Mejía added that Fujimori “must arrive before noon“To this city and that the militants of his party are getting ready to receive it.

Fujimori, in turn, confirmed his intention to join Chota and announced on Twitter that he was accepting a proposal from the station. RPP “organize all the details of the debate, including safety and health conditions for all“.

“My only request is that it be open to all the press. I hope that candidate Castillo will not continue to elude the debate. Don’t lead Pedro, don’t run, ”reiterated the leader of the right-wing authoritarian party Force populaire.

GOVERNMENT CONFIRMED SECURITY

In this regard, the Minister of the Interior, Jose elice, confirmed at a press conference that the authorities will allow the debate to take place Despite the restrictions due to the health emergency, the police have been ordered to strengthen security in Chota.

“The deployment of 200 police officers, 150 from the special services unit and 50 from state security has been ordered. to ensure the safety of the event, ”Elice said.

The Minister noted that “the idea is to guarantee public order, but above all the safety of people, and compliance with the rules of the pandemic“.

“A debate like this one must have the characteristics of exemplarity, leaving the candidates free to give the messages which they wish”, he concluded.

After having occupied first and second place respectively in the general elections of April 11, Castillo and Fujimori will contest the presidency of Peru in a second round called on June 6.

An opinion poll carried out by the private company Datum indicated this Friday that Castillo retains a 10 point advantage over Fujimori, receiving 44% of the voting intentions, against 34% of his rival.

(With information from EFE)

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