Allegations of a coup – Political chaos in Peru: Parliament removes Castillo from office – News

  • A majority of Peruvian parliamentarians have voted in favor of President Pedro Castillo having to step down from office.
  • In the conflict between parliament and government, President Castillo had previously announced that he would dissolve parliament.
  • According to unconfirmed reports, Castillo was arrested by security forces. A corresponding tweet by the Peruvian police has since been deleted.

In the conflict between the parliament and the government in Peru, President Pedro Castillo launched a speech against Congress. He had also announced a new election for Congress. The parliamentarians were then to draft a new constitution within nine months. “Until the new Congress begins its work, we will govern with decrees,” said Castillo.

Castillo’s government under pressure from the start


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Castillo’s government has been under pressure since the former village school teacher took office in July last year. Because of various allegations or differences of opinion, important ministers repeatedly vacated their posts. Just two weeks ago, Castillo appointed a new head of cabinet – the fifth in just under a year and a half.

The government of left-wing politician Castillo is also in a permanent power struggle with parliament. Most recently, Congress denied the head of state permission to travel to the Pacific Alliance summit in Mexico and canceled the meeting. Numerous parliamentarians are also being investigated for various allegations. The President has already survived two impeachment trials. Two of Castillo’s predecessors were removed from office in similar proceedings.

The President had also ordered a nationwide curfew between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and announced a reform of the judiciary. “Congress has destroyed the rule of law, democracy and the balance between state powers,” Castillo said. “We call on all civil society institutions and all social groups to support the decision.”

Broad opposition to Castillo

Several investigations are underway against Castillo, including charges of interference with military and police promotions and obstruction of justice.

Vice President Dina Boluarte then also condemned the announced dissolution of the congress by the head of state. “I oppose Pedro Castillo’s decision to dissolve the Congress to bring about the collapse of the constitutional order. This is a coup that exacerbates the political and institutional crisis that Peruvian society must overcome in strict compliance with the law,” she wrote on Twitter.

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“We call on all civil society institutions and all social groups to support the decision,” said Castillo. Pictured: Castillo speaks at the Seventh Ministerial Summit in Lima, November 10, 2022.

REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda

The opposition also spoke of a coup d’etat. “He can’t do what he just did. That’s illegal,” said Martha Moyano, MP from the right-wing party Fuerza Popular on radio station RPP. Her party friend Héctor Ventura said: “Today, the armed forces must respect the democratic order.” MP and former admiral José Cueto wrote on Twitter: “What Pedro Castillo has done is a coup d’etat. The armed forces will support the constitution and not the dictator.”

Ministers have resigned

Numerous ministers resigned after Castillo’s announcement. “Because the rule of law has been violated and in accordance with my democratic principles, I hereby submit my irrevocable resignation as Minister of Economy and Finance,” wrote Finance Minister Kurt Burneo on Twitter. Foreign Minister César Landa and Justice Minister Felix Chero also made their positions available. Attorney General Patricia Benavides said: “We strongly reject the breach of the constitutional order.”

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