In Peru, the power struggle between the parliament and President Pedro Castillo has escalated. First Castillo dissolved the parliament, which then deposed him. Now he is being questioned by prosecutors.
After President Pedro Castillo announced that he would dissolve parliament, MPs turned the tables: MPs voted to remove the head of state. 101 members of Congress voted in favor of the motion of no confidence, 6 against and 10 abstained. In this case, the constitution provides for Vice President Dina Boluarte to take over the duties. Since taking office a year and a half ago, Castillo has survived two impeachment trials.
Shortly before the vote, Castillo announced the dissolution of Congress and a new parliamentary election. He imposed a night curfew and said he wanted to temporarily rule with decrees. “Congress has destroyed the rule of law, democracy and the balance between state powers,” Castillo said. Deputy Minister Boluarte, numerous ministers and the opposition condemned the dissolution of the congress as a coup d’état.
The government of left-wing politician Castillo found itself 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. Two of Castillo’s predecessors had been removed from office in similar proceedings.