Ministers resign after Peru’s president tries to dissolve Congress

At least 12 Peruvian ministers resigned after President Pedro Castillo announced to the nation that he would dissolve the National Congress and form an “extraordinary emergency government” to call for new elections and subsequently change the country’s constitution. Castillo caused a stir in Congress, which voted with 101 positive positions to accuse him of “moral incompetence.”

Along with the movements, the following ministers resigned:

• Heidy Juárez, Women and the Vulnerable Population
• Silvana Robles from Culture
• Richard Tineo Quispe of Transport and Communications
• Wilbert Rozas Beltran from the Circle
• Roberto Sánchez Palomino from Foreign Trade and Tourism
• Gustavo Bobbio Rosas, Defense
• Kelly Portalatino, Health
• Juan Altamirano, Agricultural Development and Irrigation
• Cinthya Lindo Espinoza, Development and Social Inclusion
• Rosendo Serna from Education
• Willy Huerta of Internal Affairs
• Eduardo Mora, Producer

In total, Peru has 19 positions at the head of ministries. In addition to the ministers, Harold Forsyth Mejía, Peru’s ambassador to the OAS (Organization of American States), also chose to step down. Others, like Mejía, justified their departure by making statements against Castillo’s stances towards the Peruvian Congress.

“Political coup and discrimination led to an extreme decision of the President. However, I cannot agree with this decision within the framework of democratic principles. I submit my irrevocable resignation from execution”, Roberto Sánchez published palominoForeign Trade and Tourism.

“Taking into account the President’s decision, which does not comply with the constitutional order and my democratic principles, I have decided to offer my resignation as Minister of Women and Peoples in Difficult Situation. Democracy must come first,” she wrote. heidy Juárez.

Congress president José Williams announced that vice-president Dina Boluarte will take office in the Legislature to be sworn in today at 3pm local time (5pm Brazilian time). Dina Boluarte condemned “a coup d’état” after Castillo’s decision.

blame

This is the third attempt by opposition lawmakers to impeach them in 16 months, and it’s already on the agenda. Voting was advanced and congressmen attended the session in person and also remotely. The votes in favor of dismissal received great applause at the general assembly.

Despite having only 80 congressmen, the opposition managed to exceed the minimum of 87 votes to approve the impeachment. The other 50 MPs are pro-government or close to the government.

Peruvian newspapers described Castillo’s decision as a coup attempt. In a video posted on social media, Castillo accuses Congress of using powers to prevent him from running.

Population rejects Congress and Castillo

The Peruvian Congress, which is in crisis, is facing huge popularity due to corruption scandals. The parliamentary disapproval rate in the polls reaches 86%.

By contrast, Castillo was rejected by 70% of Peruvians and also faced corruption charges involving even family members and political allies.

Even the country’s vice president, Dina Boluarte, recently faced an impeachment request, but a congressional committee filed a complaint this Monday (5) alleging constitutional violations for lack of evidence.