Peruvian Congress votes to impeach President Castillo

With 101 votes in favor, 6 against, and 10 abstentions, the Peruvian Congress impeached President Castillo. President Castillo had previously announced he would temporarily dissolve Congress and call for the election of a new legislature. Peruvian police and military forces warned that Castillo's attempt to dissolve Congress was unconstitutional.

President Pedro Castillo. Photo: Getty

Meanwhile, a number of allies in Castillo's cabinet also did not support the effort and resigned en masse. Castillo has survived two impeachment attempts since he began his term in July 2021.

On the same day, Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as President, replacing Mr. Castillo. Ms. Boluarte is the first female President in Peru's more than 200-year history.

Peru has experienced years of political turmoil with deep divisions between the president and parliament. President Martin Vizcarra dissolved parliament and was subsequently impeached in 2020. Three decades earlier, former President Alberto Fujimori also attempted to dissolve parliament and is currently serving a prison sentence for human rights violations and corruption.