Peru’s president impeached, arrested after attempting to dissolve congress

Peru swore in a new president on Wednesday following a day of political turbulence that saw former President Pedro Castillo arrested after making a last-ditch bid to cling to power.

Dina Boluarte, Castillo’s vice, was eventually sworn in, making her Peru’s first female president.

She was elected after a majority of 101 members in the country’s 130-person legislative body voted to impeach Castillo.

Earlier on Wednesday, the former president said he would shut down the opposition-controlled congress, launch a “government of exception,” and call for new legislative elections.

In a televised speech, he said “a new congress with constituent powers to draw up a new constitution” would be convened “within no more than nine months”.

“In response to citizens’ demands throughout the length and breadth of the country, we have decided to establish an exceptional government aimed at re-establishing the rule of law and democracy,” the leftist leader said.

His speech sparked outrage and angry accusations from both opposition politicians and his allies that he was attempting a coup. Many ministers also resigned from their positions.

Castillo attempted to dissolve congress hours before it was scheduled to begin the third round of impeachment proceedings against him since he took office in July 2021, but he was unsuccessful.

Boularte called for a political truce in her acceptance speech as the nation’s new leader.

She also announced the formation of a new cabinet that would include members of all major parties.