President Castillo dissolves Congress

In the conflict between the parliament, which is dominated by conservative politicians, and the government, Peru’s left-wing President Pedro Castillo has struck at Congress. Congress destroyed the rule of law, democracy and the balance between state powers, Castillo said. “He will temporarily dissolve parliament and set up an emergency government,” said the head of state in a speech. He also announced that Congress would be reelected. The parliamentarians should then draw up a new constitution within nine months. “Until the new Congress finishes its work We will govern by decree,” Castillo announced. The president imposed a nationwide curfew between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and announced a reform of the judiciary.

Congress ignores resolution

Regardless of the presidential decision, after the announced dissolution of Congress, parliamentarians voted to impeach President Castillo. In the session, which was broadcast live on television, 101 of the 130 deputies voted to remove him from office for “moral incompetence”. Several investigations and a constitutional complaint are pending against the head of state due to allegations of corruption, involvement in organized crime and obstruction of justice.

Broad front against the presidential decision

Peru’s Attorney General Patricia Benavides and Vice President Dina Boluarte, along with the opposition, condemned Castillo’s dissolution of Congress as a coup d’etat. Numerous ministers resigned after Castillo’s announcement, citing violations of the rule of law and democratic principles.

MP Martha Moyano from the opposition right-wing party Fuerza Popular said: “He can’t do what he just did. It’s illegal.” 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.”

Constant argument for months

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 refused the head of state permission to travel to the Pacific Alliance summit in Mexico, thereby canceling 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.

qu/uh (dpa, rtr, afp)