Context
The executive branch in Peru suffers from permanent instability – the country had five presidents during the last presidential term. Pedro Castillo assumed the presidency in 2021, beating Fujimori in a tight election with high levels of polarization and tension. Since then, he has been embroiled in corruption allegations, which drove tensions between the president and a majority opposition Congress, which alleges that the current president has a permanent "moral incapacity" to govern – a term from the Peruvian Constitution that has been used by Congress repeatedly against presidents. After two attempts, today the Congress succeeded in removing Pedro Castillo from office with a “motion of vacancy.” With 101 Congressional votes, including support from Peru Libre – the party that got Castillo elected but that he had recently resigned from – Pedro Castillo was dismissed as President of the Republic.
Castillo’s removal happened shortly after his announcement this morning of the establishment of a government of exception to "restore democracy,“ which included the following measures:
- The temporary dissolution of Congress
- Convening of elections for a constituent Congress
- Government by decree law until there was a new Constitution
- Curfew from 10:00pm on Wednesday, December 7 until 4:00am on Thursday, December 8
- Reorganization of the Judiciary and other organs of justice
- Confiscation of weapons in illegal possession of civilians.
What happened next?
- After Castillo’s announcement and leaving the Presidential Palace with his family, President Castillo was arrested and the Attorney General's Office announced measures against Castillo.
- Within the framework of the Constitution, Article 115, Dina Boluarte would assume office with the next few hours to complete the 2022-2026 term. After 3:00pm, the Congress convened a plenary session to transfer the mandate to Vice President Dina Boluarte.
- Unanimously, the public institutions were against the coup d’etat, including the Armed Forces, the Police, the Constitutional Tribunal and the Attorney General´s Office. Betssy Chávez resigned as chief of cabinet, as did the ministers of Health, Economy and Finance, Labor and Foreign Affairs. The Peruvian Attorney General's Office announced a criminal complaint against Castillo for violating the Constitution.
- Peruvian citizens are blocking access to the embassies of Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Venezuela and Cuba to prevent the asylum of Pedro Castillo.
Progression of Events
For more information, please contact:
Ariana Hormizda, Research Associate
Ariana.hormizda@edelman.com
Carolina Deaza, Analyst
Carolina.deaza@edelman.com
Daniel Quiroga Plazas, Vice Chairman, Edelman Global Advisory LATAM
daniel.quiroga@edelman.com
