The conversation between the current interim president of Peru, José Jerí and Beto Ortizhad a rhythm typical of a country that is still trying to understand who the man who occupies the Palace today really is. Sitting in front of the driver in this interview broadcast on November 23 in The Value of Truth.
Jeri gave his position on the economy, civil liberties, debates on religion in schools and, finally, his position on civil union and the adoption by same-sex couples.
Beto began by addressing the topic of political ideology, directly asking him how “right-wing” he was. Jerí responded calmly and with a clarity that sought to unmark him from any label. “I don’t consider myself right-wing“, he stated. He explained that for much of his life he has communion with the centerwhich for him means choosing the best of both sides:
“I believe in free market economics“I believe in the principles of freedom, I do not believe in control of the economy, but I am also aware that the State must generate sufficient income to close gaps.”
Ortiz insisted on labels. Economically conservative? he asked. Jerí laughed softly before answering that he did not know if that was the term, but he did reaffirm that to move Peru forward it is essential to bet on private investmentopen markets, attract capital and generate income that allows the State to invest in the regions, close gaps and provide temporary support to those who need it. “The only way to make money is to tell the private sector – national or foreign – come, invest, pay taxes and let’s generate money for the country.”, he noted.
The conversation took a turn when Beto asked him if he was liberal in terms of civil liberties. Jerí once again relied on his pragmatism: “Reality always prevails over prejudices“It was then that the driver mentioned a point that would draw everyone’s attention: his religiosity. “He has said that he has been a devotee of the Lord of Miracles since he was a child,” Ortiz recalled, and asked him if the Church should be separated from the State.
Jerí’s response opened a window to a little-known past. “I have been an acolyte, altar boy, attending mass for almost ten years.“, he revealed. Beto reacted surprised. The interim president continued explaining that those years, which covered his childhood and adolescence, marked him deeply. He even confided that he came to think seriously about entering religious life:
“There was a time when I thought about entering the order“, he said. He was fifteen or sixteen years old when he considered that possibility. The Franciscans who guided the acolytes used to invite them to explore the priestly path and he was, as he said, “tempted.” Finally, he realized that “my path was not strictly that way”.
Returning to the pending issue, Beto asked him to finally respond about the separation of Church and State. Jerí assured that there must be independencealthough he stressed that all people must have some type of belief. He then defended the continuity of the religion course in schools because, from his perspective, it offers a “north.” He also said that he respects all beliefs and that he is even close to evangelical communities that have prayed for him.
When the conversation moved toward more sensitive topics, such as abortion, Jerí remained firm in her position. conservative: “I believe a lot in life and respect for life“he said, referring to the unborn. He acknowledged that there are “specific exceptionalities” that could be debated, but he made it clear what his personal conviction is. Ortiz, sharp, described it as a typical right-wing speech, to which Jerí accepted that framing without getting uncomfortable.
It was then that the driver challenged him to give a clearly stated position. liberaland Jerí talked about sexual freedom. “I fully respect each person’s choice regarding their sexuality.“, he stated. “Many of my friends have different options and they are part of my best friends.” He said that he enjoys sharing with them and that he respects their decisions as part of life in society.
With that background, Beto asked the crucial question: Is he in favor of civil union? “As is“Jerí responded bluntly. He explained that this position is born from a personal conviction that even partially distances himself from his Catholic training, but is sustained by his reading of reality: “I can’t be oblivious to how people want to show their affection.“He recalled that he supported Alejandro Cavero when he defended the civil union in the Justice Commission, although clarifying that he was not the promoter.”I defend what I believe, even if I don’t champion it”, he stated.
However, when Ortiz mentioned the adoption by same-sex couplesthe interim president marked a forceful limit: “I would not support them being able to adopt“He explained that several congressmen feared that approving measures such as civil union would generate a domino effect towards other more controversial reforms. He insisted that his support had clear conditions: support civil union, but not adoption. “I’m not convinced“, he repeated. He pointed out that for him, Peruvian society is not yet ready for this debate and that, although it fully recognizes freedom and the right of people to love, he considers that the State must prioritize “the interest of the minor.”
Ortiz, from humor and personal philosophy, commented that rights must exist even when one does not intend to exercise them. Jerí agreed, but reiterated that his conviction only covers civil unions. “There are limits“, he said. “I have that duality: I recognize the freedom of people, but I also protect the interest of the child.”
