Peru Power Struggle: President Castillo Disbands Congress Then Arrested

In Peru, the power struggle between President Pedro Castillo and parliament has escalated. Congress impeached Castillo on Wednesday after he announced the dissolution of parliament. Shortly thereafter, Castillo was arrested, state news agency Andina reported. Vice President Dina Boluarte and the opposition had interpreted Castillo’s actions as a coup.

101 MPs voted in favor of deposing the head of state, 6 against and 10 abstained. In this case, the constitution of the South American country stipulates that the vice president takes over official business.

Castilla was arrested in the center of the capital Lima, Andina reported. In the prefecture, he will be questioned by Attorney General Patricia Benavides and the chief prosecutor for corruption cases.

Castillo had tried to avoid the no-confidence vote and shortly before announced the dissolution of Congress and new parliamentary elections. The parliamentarians then had to draft a new constitution within nine months. “Until the new Congress begins its work, we will rule by decree,” Castillo announced.

The president imposed a nationwide curfew between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and announced judicial reform. “Congress has destroyed the rule of law, democracy and the balance of state powers,” Castillo said. “We call on all social institutions and all social groups to support the decision.”

However, Castillo apparently miscalculated: After announcing the dissolution of Congress, numerous cabinet members abandoned his banner, especially Vice President 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 exacerbates the political and institutional crisis that Peruvian society must overcome in strict compliance with the law,” she wrote on Twitter.

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

Opposition speaks of coup

The opposition also spoke of a coup. “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. The armed forces will support the constitution and not the dictator.”

Castillo’s government has been under pressure since the former village school teacher took office in July last year. Due to various allegations or disagreements, key ministers have repeatedly resigned from their posts. Just two weeks ago, Castillo appointed a new chief of staff – the fifth in just under a year and a half. Since taking office, Castillo has survived two impeachment proceedings.

The government of the left-wing politician was also involved 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 under investigation for various allegations. Two of Castillo’s predecessors were removed from office in similar proceedings. (saw/sda/dpa)