Lima: Amid the Covid-19 epidemic, a new political upheaval began in Peru on Tuesday. President Martin Vizcarra has announced that he is leaving the presidential palace. Lawmakers voted Monday to oust President Martin Vizcarra, accusing him of taking bribes and failing to provide the necessary leadership to deal with the epidemic.
Thousands took to the streets on Monday night to protest and support President Vizcarra, targeting the lawmakers and demanding his resignation. Many leaders who are not MPs have termed it a coup. While some say that the new president should be declared illegal in the country. Meanwhile, Vizkara has announced that he will not challenge the impeachment legally. He asserted that his confession had been obtained through torture.
“I am leaving the Presidential Palace today. I am going home. ” He will be replaced by the Head of Parliament in the order of seniority for succession. MPs have set a schedule for Tuesday morning, in which the new leaders will be sworn in.
Analysts have termed the move of the MPs as a direct snatch of power as Vizkarra is popular among the people and is highly praised for his campaign against corruption. Some analysts have warned parliament that the future of Peru’s democracy is in jeopardy because of the rapid pace of action against the president and the lack of evidence for it. The removal of the President was supported by 105 MPs while it required only 87 votes.
