Peru: MP takes over presidency after Pedro Castillo is sacked

Dina Boluarte took over the presidency of Peru after she approved the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo for “moral incompetence”. 101 votes in favor, 6 against and 10 abstentions were cast. The inauguration and inauguration ceremony took place just 2 hours after Castillo’s impeachment was voted on.

Boluarte is the country’s first female president and the 6th to hold the post since March 2018. His term will expire in July 2026.

In his first speech, Boluarte acknowledges Peruvian concerns about the “difficult situation” in the country. The new president said running Peru “will not be an easy task”, he will prioritize the economy and fight corruption.

“Before politics, I am a Peruvian citizen and mother who is conscious of the great responsibility that history has placed on my shoulders. It is the foundation of families and the courage of Peruvians,” she said.

As we all know, there was a coup attempt supported by Mr. Pedro Castillo. […] This Congress of the Republic has taken a decision in accordance with constitutional authority and it is my duty to act accordingly.
dina Boluarte, President of Peru

“Assuming the constitutional presidency of the Republic, I am aware of the great responsibility and my first request is to gather the broadest contingent of all Peruvians, as it could not be otherwise,” he continued.

This Monday (5), a congressional committee requested impeachment against Dina Boluarte for lack of evidence. The 60-year-old lawyer was charged with alleged constitutional violations over a Comptroller’s complaint about holding a job for a private organization while holding a public office – something that Peruvian law prohibits.

Today, the then-vice president denounced a “coup” in the country after Castillo announced he would do it to the nation. Dissolving the National Congress and set up an “extraordinary government of emergency” to call for new elections and then change the country’s constitution.

Castle arrested by the police and continues to be detained at the Lima city hall. State Attorney General Daniel Soria filed a criminal complaint against Castillo “for alleged crimes of rioting, abuse of power and gravely disturbing the public peace.”

Peruvian newspapers took Castillo’s decision as a coup. In a video shared on social media, Castillo accuses Congress of using forces to prevent him from taking power.????????

“Congress destroyed the rule of law, democracy, separation of powers, replaced the Constitution with ordinary laws in order to abolish the executive and establish a parliamentary dictatorship.”

we decide […] To temporarily dissolve the Congress of the Republic and establish an exceptional government of emergency
Pedro Castillo, President of Peru

Castillo came to power in July last year, defeating the far-right candidate Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former dictator Alberto Fujimori. Since then, he has been the target of parliamentary motions and inquiries several times trying to overthrow him, but the politician has managed to undo the measures in plenary votes.

At least 12 ministers resign in Peru Since Castillo’s statement. Harold Forsyth Mejía, Peru’s ambassador to the OAS (Organization of American States), also chose to resign. Check the entire list.

The Peruvian president’s announcement comes 30 years after former President Alberto Fujimori’s self-inflicted coup (1990-2000) that dissolved Congress on April 5, 1992.

Attempts to blame. This was the third attempt by opposition lawmakers to impeach them in 16 months and was 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.

The congressional resolution that dismissed Castillo refers to the “serious situation created by President Pedro Castillo Terrones in attempting to dissolve Congress and prevent its unconstitutional functioning.” The decision also refers to Article 46 of the Political Constitution, which states that “the acts of usurpers are void”.

Peruvian congress faces high popularity problem due to corruption scandals???????? Parliament’s disapproval rate in polls reaches 86%.

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