Peru’s President Accused of Coup After Move to Dissolve Congress

[harrybarracuda]

Another emerging tinpot dictatorship...

I expect sabang and hoohoo will be cheering him on.

Peru President Pedro Castillo announced the dissolution of congress and called for legislative elections to draft a new constitution hours before an impeachment debate, escalating a political crisis and putting the Latin American nation’s democracy under threat. Members of the constitutional court described the move as “a coup.”

“We took the decision of establishing a government of exception toward re-establishing the rule of law and democracy,” Castillo said in a televised speech Wednesday, adding that the incoming congress will draft a new constitution within nine months. “From today and until the new congress is established, we will govern through decrees.”

Castillo also announced a curfew and the “reorganization” of Peru’s justice system including the top courts at the same time he pledged to respect private property and business freedom. He also said all illegal arms in possession of Peruvians must be handed back to the police within 72 hours.
He faced immediate pushback from the constitutional court, with members declaring that Castillo was no longer in charge of the country.

Castillo’s unexpected move comes as congress was preparing to discuss a third impeachment attempt against him after failing to remove him from power twice. The president has had a rocky relationship with lawmakers since the start of his administration in July 2021, yet the measure risks creating a backlash as its legality will be questioned.
A sign of that came quickly after Castillo’s speech, when Finance Minister Kurt Burneo, Foreign Minister Cesar Landa, and Justice Minister Felix Chero presented their resignations. RPP Noticias showed images of lawmakers still meeting in Congress.

“The army’s attitude toward this will be decisive over the next hours,” Rodolfo Rojas, a partner at Lima-based Sequoia political advisory group. “If they back Castillo, he could stay in power temporarily, but if not, he’s going to fall.”

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?

[harrybarracuda]

Well that moved fast. I guess the army weren't on his side then.

LIMA, Peru (AP) — The president of Peru was ousted by Congress and arrested on a charge of rebellion Wednesday after he sought to dissolve the legislative body and take unilateral control of the government, triggering a grave constitutional crisis.
Vice President Dina Boluarte replaced Pedro Castillo and became the first female leader in the history of the republic after hours of wrangling between the legislature and the departing president, who had tried to prevent an impeachment vote.
Boluarte, a 60–year-old lawyer, called for a political truce and the installation of a national unity government.
“What I ask for is a space, a time to rescue the country,” she said.
Lawmakers voted 101-6 with 10 abstentions to remove Castillo from office for reasons of “permanent moral incapacity.”
He left the presidential palace in an automobile that carried him through Lima’s historic downtown. He entered a police station and hours later federal prosecutors announced that Castillo had been arrested on the rebellion charge for allegedly violating constitutional order. Witnesses saw some small-scale clashing between police and some protesters who had gathered near the station.

Peru swears in VP as the new president amid constitutional crisis | PBS NewsHour

[david44]

“What I ask for is a space, a time to rescue the country,” she said.

4.15 from Paddington?