Veteran Peruvian journalist and poet Maruja Valcárcel asserts the media bears the greatest responsibility for the ongoing political crisis in Peru. Speaking on Lima Gris, Valcárcel reflected on the potential government of Keiko Fujimori and the broader state of Peruvian politics, culture, and journalism. She emphasized the necessity of journalistic independence, lamenting the current state of public debate as precarious. Valcárcel, drawing on her experience leading magazines and newspapers, highlighted the crucial role of culture as a catalyst for societal change. She advocates for a revitalization of meaningful public discourse and a renewed commitment to responsible reporting. Her comments underscore a critical assessment of the media’s role in shaping—and potentially exacerbating—Peru’s political instability.