Peruvian Congress votes to impeach President Castillo
Peru's Congress voted to remove President Pedro Castillo from office in an impeachment trial on December 7.
With 101 votes in favor, 6 against and 10 abstentions, Peru's Congress removed President Castillo from office. President Castillo had announced that he would temporarily dissolve Congress and call for new legislative elections. Peru's police and military have warned that Mr. Castillo's attempt to dissolve Congress is unconstitutional.
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President Pedro Castillo. Photo: Getty |
Meanwhile, a number of allies in Mr. Castillo's cabinet have also not supported the effort and have resigned en masse. Mr. Castillo has survived two impeachment attempts since he began his term in July 2021.
Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as President on the same day, replacing Mr. Castillo. Ms. Boluarte is the first female President in Peru's more than 200-year history.
Peru has been through years of political turmoil with deep disagreements between the President and Congress. President Martin Vizcarra dissolved Congress and was later impeached in 2020. Three decades ago, former President Alberto Fujimori also tried to dissolve Congress and is currently serving a prison sentence for human rights violations and corruption./.