Peru’s President Pedro Castillo gambled big, but overplayed his hand: by dissolving the congress, the left-wing politician wanted to forestall a vote of no confidence in parliament – but in the end he miscalculated. Both his own cabinet and the opposition sensed a coup d’etat and let the former village schoolteacher appear. At the end of the day, Castillo was in custody – the charge: rebellion.
By a large majority, Congress impeached the 53-year-old on Wednesday for “permanent moral unfitness.” A whole series of investigations into allegations of corruption and plagiarism are underway against the head of state.
Castillo probably has himself to blame for the clear vote with his showdown. It was still unclear in the morning whether the 87 votes for the motion of no confidence would even come together.
Then Castillo announced the dissolution of Congress. He wanted to set up an emergency government and rule by decree in the future.
“Congress has destroyed the rule of law, democracy and the balance between state powers,” Castillo said. “We call on all institutions of civil society and all social groups to support the decision.” Politicians from the government camp and the opposition interpreted this as a coup d’état.
Apparently Castillo had miscalculated
According to surveys, Congress, which is considered thoroughly corrupt, is still significantly less popular than the government. But the head of state probably went too far with his showdown: numerous cabinet members deserted him, most notably Vice President Dina Boluarte.
“I oppose Pedro Castillo’s decision to dissolve the Congress to bring about the collapse of the constitutional order. This is a coup that aggravates the political and institutional crisis that Peruvian society must overcome in strict compliance with the law,” she wrote on Twitter.
Later that evening, the president was arrested and questioned by prosecutors in the Lima prefecture, state news agency Andina reported on Wednesday. Prosecutors accuse Castillo of attacking the country’s constitutional order. The Attorney General’s Office announced that he was being investigated for rebellion.
Dina Boluarte sworn in as new President
After Castillo was ousted by Parliament, Boluarte was sworn in as the new President. “I am aware of the enormous responsibility that lies ahead of me and I call for the unity of all Peruvians,” said the 60-year-old lawyer in her inaugural address to Congress. The constitution provides that if the head of state is dismissed, his deputy will take over office.
“I call for a broad dialogue between all political forces,” said Boluarte. She is the first female head of state in the history of the South American country.
The United States condemned Castillo’s dissolution of Congress as a breach of the constitution, while Mexico’s government was open to granting asylum to the deposed president. The Organization of American States (OAS) supported the new President Boluarte.
“Today the constitutional order was interfered with in Peru. I assure Dina Boluarte of our support for democracy, peace and institutions in Peru and the urgent need to restore the democratic path in that country,” said OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro.
The opposition in Peru spoke of a coup d’etat. “He can’t do what he just did. It’s illegal,” MP Martha Moyano of the right-wing Fuerza Popular party told RPP radio. Her party colleague 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’état. The armed forces will support the constitution and not the dictator.”
Numerous ministers announce their resignation
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.”
The Castillo government: under pressure since July 2021
Castillo’s government has been under pressure since the former village school teacher took office in July last year. Because of various allegations and 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. Since taking office, he had survived two impeachment trials.
The left-wing politician never held a political office before he was elected president. The farmer, teacher and trade unionist mainly represented rural Peru. But farmers and indigenous people in particular have hardly been able to benefit from the considerable economic growth of recent years and often live in abject poverty. During the coronavirus pandemic, Peru had one of the highest mortality rates in the world – many of the country’s 33 million residents simply could not afford to stay at home for financial reasons.
“Castillo’s decision to dissolve Congress while lawmakers prepare to vote on his impeachment is a testament to the president’s weakness and lack of political strategy,” Peruvian political scientist Andrea Moncada told Americas Quarterly.
“It’s clear that Castillo thought he could avoid impeachment this way, but it was an impulsive, ill-considered decision,” Moncada said.
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. (dpa)
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Source: Tagesspiegel
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