Peru Asks Congress for US$2.4 Billion as El Niño Looms

Peru's government has requested approval from Congress to allocate approximately US$2.4 billion for additional spending due to the looming threat of El Niño. The majority of this funding will be raised through the sale of new government bonds. A significant portion of this sum, around US$347 million, will be allocated for the first payment on 12 additional US-made F-16 fighter jets, marking twice the amount previously set aside for El Niño-related expenses.

President Keiko Fujimori and Prime Minister Luis Galarreta submitted the bill to Congress on September 30. The budget, overseen by Economy Minister Elmer Cuba, aims to mitigate the impact of heavy rains by upgrading school infrastructure, improving health services, providing school kits for impoverished students, and enhancing water and sanitation facilities.

The Interior Ministry's request for additional pension funds for retired police officers and patrol equipment is also included. El Niño's effects have already been felt in the fishing industry, with anchovy catches significantly reduced. The government's request is separate from its bid to temporarily gain legislative powers, a move that could test the government's relationship with Congress.