The shining example of Ernst Bergen from Paraguay
So now it’s out. The nation’s chief prosecutor’s office is investigating Peruvian President Pedro Castillo for leading a criminal organization. Not yet a year in office, his political sin list is so long that a prison sentence will be waiting for him sooner or later. In this particular case, Castillo sent several generals into early retirement and promoted his own people to influential positions in the army. Of course, he made himself pay for this service. An astonishing amount of evidence convicts him and close family members of corrupt dealings.
In Peru, meanwhile, the people say, “Castillo doesn’t know how to govern and he doesn’t know how to steal properly!” (Castillo no sabe gobernar, ni sabe robar)
The elementary school teacher from northern Peru ran as a Communist Party candidate to eradicate corruption with bluntness and style. But in no time his family filled their pockets. Videos and telephone recordings are in abundance on the table. The reason why two impeachment trials against him have failed so far is because of Congress. The deputies would also lose their posts if new elections had to be called. The shirt of their own lucrative position sits closer to them than the skirt of conscientious state leadership. Sad but true.
Is there any other way to do things in Latin America than with dark intrigues and nepotism?
The life of Ernst Bergen, then Minister of Trade and Finance, is encouraging. A committed Christian, he served his country of Paraguay under President Nicanor Duarte Frutos from 2003 to 2007. At great personal sacrifice, Bergen achieved the almost unbelievable.
During his time, gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 21 percent. Paraguay’s exports almost tripled. Foreign debt was reduced by half. In the process, social spending rose from 36% to 48%.
Growing up in a Mennonist colony in Paraguay’s Chaco, his government post was an expression of his faith for Bergen. He served God and his people with results reminiscent of a fairy tale from 1001 Nights. /KDJ
