This is Jose Arista's third term as minister. This time, he will head the MEF. Photo: Andina | Andean
After a year and two months as head of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Alex Contreras will be replaced by Jose Arista. The economist held the position of Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation during the government of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in 2018 and had a brief participation in the MEF in 2020 during the presidency of Manuel Merino.
He has extensive experience in public administration and holds the ministerial portfolio amidst the ongoing challenges of returning to the growth path after four similar negative periods, including dealing with the impacts of the El Nino phenomenon. Below, learn about the profile of the new Economy and Finance Minister.
Who is Jose Arista, the new Minister of Economy and Finance?
José Arista Arbildo was born on August 18, 1959 in Huambo, Amazonas. After receiving a bachelor's degree in economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru in 1982, he decided to continue his studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he obtained a master's degree in economics.
His career in the public sector began in 1990 when he assumed the role of National Director of Public Budgeting in the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Since then, Arista has held various key roles in public administration, participating in the creation of institutions such as the National Monitoring of Tax Administration (SUNAT) and the Tax Administration Service (SAT).
In addition, he was an advisor to the Management Support Fund of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Director General of the Public Budget. Subsequently, he served as Deputy Minister of Finance during the tenure of former APRA government minister Luis Carranza.
Arista also ventured into regional politics when he was elected Regional President of Amazonas from 2011-2014. In 2015, the Ministry of Education appointed him as the Executive Program Director for the production and development of the 2019 Pan American Games, a position he was heavily criticized for.
On January 9, 2018, he was sworn in as Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation in the government of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and was part of the so-called “Reconciliation Cabinet” led by Mercedes Aros. His last and briefest trip to public office was when he served as Minister of Economy and Finance during the mandate of Manuel Merino, after the vacancy of former President Martín Vizcarra. Arista resigned from MEF on Nov. 15 after the deaths of Indy and Brian Sotelo.
Finally, he represented Peru internationally as director of the Banco de la Nación, alternate governor of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and director of the Andean Development Corporation (CAF).
What did Alex Contreras say after leaving MEF?
Alex Contreras, former Minister of Economy and Finance, mentioned his actions in economic affairs.
“The year 2023 is particularly challenging, but it is worth the effort. The economy has managed to emerge from the recession and has entered an expansion process, which is necessary to maintain and accelerate. Likewise, the medium-term agenda must continue: the push for infrastructure with a regional focus, the development of the naval industry, the development program of the Amazon program, the consolidation of Peru as a port center should be considered a national priority,” he pointed out.
At the same time, Contreras considered it “fundamental and necessary to shift the country's agenda towards a political reform that allows for the creation of an environment of greater stability.”
What are the other ministerial changes?
- Ministry of Environment: Juan Carlos Castro
- Ministry of Energy and Mines: Romulo Mucho
- Ministry of Defense: Walter Astutillo.
