- Deposed Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has been arrested. The state news agency Andina reported that he was being questioned by prosecutors in the prefecture in Lima.
- The Congress of the South American country had previously voted to impeach Castillo.
- Dina Boluarte, previous Vice President, has been sworn in as interim President.
The 60-year-old lawyer took her oath of office in Congress in Lima. The constitution provides that if the head of state is dismissed, his deputy will take over office. Boluarte is the first female president in the history of the South American country.
Legend:
Dina Boluarte at the APEC summit in Thailand in November.
KEYSTONE / LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / POOL
Castillo had previously announced that he would dissolve Congress and govern by decree in the future. Apparently he wanted to forestall the vote on a motion of no confidence in Parliament. However, large sections of his government also opposed him.
Boluarte also spoke of a coup d’etat. Eventually, the majority of parliamentarians voted to impeach Castillo. A little later, the former head of state was arrested and questioned by investigators, as reported by the state news agency Andina.
Government under pressure from the start
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.
Legend:
Castillo speaks at the Seventh Ministerial Summit in Lima, November 10, 2022.
REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda
Since taking office, Castillo has survived two impeachment trials. The government of the left-wing politician was 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. Two of Castillo’s predecessors were removed from office in similar proceedings.
Legend:
Former President Pedro Castillo, second from left, and former Prime Minister Anibal Torres wait at a police station.
Keystone / Peruvian Police