Peru is one of countries where private interests wield the greatest influence over government institutions, according to analyst Francisco Durand. He charges that Peru has a "fictitious democracy" in which 90% of all economic and fiscal policy legislation is agreed to behind the scenes in small meetings between the president and the Peruvian business association, CONFIEP, and then rapidly approved by Congress. Many believe the CONFIEP's influence also extends to the judiciary, with the recent conviction of the business association's former vice president Lelio Balarezo being the exception that proves the rule. Rael Mora reports from Lima. teleSUR
