The president of Peru Pedro Castillo in an official act in Lima. photo by Reuters
Peru’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Javier Arce stepped down this Sunday, just two weeks after taking office and after local media reported that He was in prison and has other investigations underway.
The “irrevocable” resignation was accepted almost immediately by Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, according to a brief official statement.
The castle thanked him “for the struggle in defense of democracy”added the note published on the social networks of the Peruvian Presidency.
In his resignation letter, which Arce published on his social networks, he assured that he had taken office with the “main ideal of serving” his country, but he resigned. “for personal reasons”.
A march against Pedro Castillo in Lima. photo by Reuters
After taking office, the now former minister was questioned by opposition politicians for his lack of experience managing the Ministry of Agriculture, while a local television program revealed last week that he had not reported in his affidavit that he was in prison for the alleged commission of the crime of usurpation of functions.
Arce told RPP radio station on Tuesday that he was in prison, but for an “administrative omission” and not a crime, and which in 1996 received a “condemnation of acquittal”.
He also admitted that he had other complaints allegedly filed between 1995 and 1997, and that he believed their validity to be probable. “mistake” of their lawyers.
Arce, who is also a representative of Peru before the Andean parliament, was sworn in as minister on May 22, replacing Óscar Zea, a current lawmaker who stepped down this week from the bench of the ruling Free Peru party.
Local media reported that President Castillo is likely take an oath this Monday to the new Minister of Agriculture, as he will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend the 9th Summit of the Americas.
Source: EFE
PB
Source: Clarin
