Perus President Dina Boluarte appointed Julio Daz Zulueta as Interior Minister on March 24, 2025, tasking the retired police general with tackling a relentless surge in crime.The swearing-in, held at Limas Government Palace, followed Congresss censure of Juan Jos Santivez on March 21, ousting him with 78 votes for failing to stem a tide of 2,600 murders during his 10-month tenure.Daz Zulueta vowed to serve Peru and his family, stepping into a ministry under intense scrutiny as citizens demand action against escalating theft, extortion, and violence.Crime has spiraled into a national crisis, with 509 homicides recorded in 2025 by the National System of Deaths (Sinadef), a grim tally spotlighted by the March murder of Paul Flores, lead singer of Armona 10, by alleged extortionists.This high-profile killing in Callao prompted Boluarte to declare a 30-day state of emergency in Lima Metropolitana and Callao, the seventh such measure in her presidency.Perus President Names New Interior Minister as Crime Wave Grips Nation.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Santivez had launched 475 police operations, detaining 271 suspects with 8,500 officers and 3,772 soldiers, yet public frustration boiled over as 1,014 detainees were released by police, 228 by prosecutors, and 63 by courts, fueling calls for tougher justice.Daz Zuluetas Background and ChallengesDaz Zulueta, 63, brings a 40-year career focused on citizen security and community policing.
He holds degrees in Education (Language and Literature), Administration and Police Sciences, and masters degrees in National Defense and Development, and Public Management.His past carries some baggage.
As Lambayeques police chief during the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, he faced allegations of overpaying 80,000 soles ($21,000 USD) for substandard masks.These masks came from untested suppliers.
The situation ultimately led to his exit after an Anticorruption Prosecutors probe.
Politically, he advised Callao Governor Ciro Castillo.
He was also tied to Alianza Para el Progreso until 2023.This connection hinted at ties to Boluartes circle.
Boluarte, Perus first female president since surviving Pedro Castillos 2022 impeachment, navigates a turbulent term.Her approval rating languishes at 5%, battered by scandals like the 2024 Rolex probe and seven interior minister turnovers.
Daz Zulueta, once Santivezs deputy, must now deliver where his mentor failedor risk deepening Perus descent into insecurity.