Presence and Acceptance of Regional Movements in the South of the Country and their Secessionist Potential

Abstract

Do the regional groups in southern Peru have any link with those sectors that openly seek separation from Peru? What is the potential of the latter to achieve their goals? The article will examine the presence, acceptance, and capacity for expansion of regional parties, as well as their attributed secessionist potential. The October 2022 elections and the protests that took place at the end of the same year are taken as case studies, since both events are directly or indirectly associated with this type of grouping. It is concluded that among the regional sectors there is no single agenda, and they are not necessarily linked to secessionist aspirations, except in the case of Arequipa. Currently, secessionist groups are at an emerging stage and do not bring together large sectors of the population. In addition, they lack foreign support, a crucial factor in their success. However, there is fertile ground for its growth, due to the political crisis and the neglect of the central government.