Peru’s Prime Minister Questions President’s Impeachment Proceedings

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Peruvian Prime Minister Walter Martos on Saturday urged Congress to put the country first and not to place secondary interests above those of the population when debating on a second presidential vacancy motion against President Martin Vizcarra on Monday, November 9th.

“We call on the democratic forces at Congress to put the country first, to prioritize major needs, and not to place secondary interests over those of the population,” he emphasized.

Martos recalled that most of the population supports President Vizcarra’s continuation in office, so that he can focus on combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The question is, what interests are behind this impeachment? There is a bench that promotes it for the second time under the banner of the fight against corruption, but some of its members are being prosecuted,” he expressed.

Moreover, the Cabinet chief noted that the Oversight Commission President is part of such group (UPP), saying he might slow the procedures underway and seek a presidential vacancy.

“But this is not going to be possible under this Government. Besides, there are other interests attempting to impeach the President, but any obscure interest will succeed under this Government,” he affirmed.

Martos appealed to let the population elect its new authorities on April 11th “and to refrain from attempting to break democracy and the balance of powers, as is being dangerously attempted.”

Peruvian Congress Chairman Manuel Merino on Friday afternoon convened a plenary session for November 9 at 9AM (local time) in order to address various issues, including the debate on the presidential vacancy motion against President Martin Vizcarra.

Last Monday, Congress decided to admit to debate the second impeachment motion promoted by Union for Peru (UPP) party and other legislators.

The measure was approved with 60 votes in favor, 40 against, and 18 abstentions. On that day, they agreed that the plenary session would be held November 9th.

Source: Andina