But almost all of them are somehow involved in it
The above picture shows an excerpt from RPP, Peru’s most important news platform. 8 top politicians present themselves and their programmes. Corruption in Peru runs as a central theme throughout. The political observer is reminded of the German Christmas carol Alle Jahre wieder. Its opening lines translate as follows: “Every year again the Christ Child comes down to earth”. But in Peru at every election unavoidably the fight against cronyism, embezzlement and corruption plays the dominant role. Every four years all the parties sing from the same hymn-sheet: “Down with corruption!” But the Peruvian leaders themselves are stuck up to their necks in the system of favours and services of friendship. One hand washes the other.
The last five presidents were convicted of corruption. Some of them escaped their court proceedings through suicide, others are still waiting for them to start. The next general election in Peru will take place in April. Ticking a box on the ballot papers is a democratic duty. The person who stays in bed on Election Day, must be prepared to receive a painful fine. Thus the voters form long queues outside the polling stations, but they do not really expect anything to get better.
In Proverbs chapter 29 one finds several valuable gems for the consequences that the rulers’ egoism has for the governed society.
Verse 2: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Verse 4: By justice a king gives a country stability and peace, but those who are greedy for bribes and taxes tear it down.
Verse 8: Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
Verse 12: If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
Verse 16: When the wicked increase, transgression and rebellion increase, but those who trust in the Lord will look upon the downfall of such people.
Verse 18: Where there is no revelation from God, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the nation that heads God’s law!
Verse 25-27: Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice. The righteous detest the dishonest: the wicked detest the upright.
