Peru: Impeachment motion against President Castillo fails

Peru

On Tuesday, Peru’s President Pedro Castillo avoided an impeachment attempt as Congress voted against a motion to proceed with the matter.

The motion was voted down 76-46 as protests against and for the left-wing leader filled the capital’s streets. Those protesting for Castillo called the attempt a right-wing coup.

“We want him to continue working,” said a protester supporting Castillo. “We want him to work and keep his word what he has promised us.”

It is pertinent to mention that right-wing parties introduced the motion in October.

Castillo’s party, Peru Libre, stood behind him on Monday, despite differing opinions over policy matters. In recent months, his party considered supporting the effort to oust him from office.

Peru Libre leader Vladimir Cerron said the impeachment motion was fascism that blatantly failed. “The parliamentary blow to democracy has failed,” said Cerron on Twitter.

Pleno del Congreso: Fracasó la moción de vacancia, fracasó el fascismo, fracasó el golpe parlamentario a la democracia.

— Vladimir Cerrón (@VLADIMIR_CERRON) December 8, 2021

In July, Castillo was elected by a thin margin but has seen his popularity decline amid corruption allegations and protests in mining communities.

The defeated presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori also backed the impeachment motion. She has appeared to be losing steam recently after the President held talks with different political parties.

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Three opposition parties, accounting for about 43 seats in the legislature, brought forth the motion to impeach after investigators recovered $20,000 in a bathroom of the presidential palace, allegedly belonging to the former Presidential Secretary Bruno Pacheco.

A protestor against Castillo said the democratic citizens cannot continue to allow the President to remain in office anymore

“It is Congress’ responsibility to oust him,” he said.

The failed motion gives Castillo some breathing room as prosecutors investigate corruption cases by his aides.

Last week, media reported that prosecutors were planning to probe Castillo regarding firing two former military officials who refused to promote individuals recommended by him.