Washington. Member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) voted overwhelmingly for an investigation against Secretary General Luis Almagro. He is accused of promoting an employee with whom he was romantically involved at the time. It is now verified whether there has been a conflict of interest and whether there has been a violation of the internal rules of the organization.
The allegations against Almagro came to light when an AP reporter published an email with an anonymous complaint to the OAS. Almagro himself confirmed his relationship, which ended a few months ago, “as perhaps the best of his life” and showed understanding for the investigation.
An external company is in charge of the investigation and must submit a report within three months. As soon as this is available to the Permanent Council, member states should “take the appropriate measures”. Bolivia’s ambassador to the OAS, Héctor Arce, regretted that the organization has no sanctioning powers to prosecute the Secretary General. The “institutional crisis” also shows the structural shortcomings of the OAS.
Uruguayan politician Luis Almagro served as secretary general of the OAS for a second term since 2015. From 2010 to 2015, he served as foreign minister under leftist president José Mujica. After taking office at the OAS, he undertook an almost unprecedented political reversal. Despite announcements to the contrary, he has joined forces with the United States and opposed the governments of Cuba and Venezuela.
Almagro faces numerous allegations of domestic interference. He promoted Jeanine Áñez’s coup in Bolivia in 2019 through his interference on election day (reported by america21). Among other things, he also supported President Sebastian Piñera during the 2019 protests in Chile and legitimized the violence against protesters on the basis of “restoring public order”.
Within the OAS, he is also criticized for his management style, which is characterized by non-transparent post allocation. Mexico criticizes the fact that Almagro’s behavior “comes within a pattern of contempt for the will of states and violation of the institutions of the OAS”.
The current inquiry appears to be the top of a mountain of criticism of Almagro that has piled up in recent years. With the United States, which has always supported him, having voted in favor of the resolution, calls from left-wing member states for Almagro’s resignation look more promising.
