Manuel Merino, Peru’s President resigned on Sunday, just five days after taking office, following the street protests against him and the impeachment of his popular predecessor, Martin Vizcarra.
During a televised address a day after a police crackdown on protesters leaving at least two people dead, Merino stated that “I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning.”
Merino, 59, resigned shortly after a crisis session of Congress called on him to quit power before 6:00 pm (2300 GMT) or face censure. Congress is expected to appoint a new president — the South American country’s third in a week — in a new session called for 6:00 pm.
Congress’ ultimatum came after the health ministry said two protesters were killed on Saturday during a massive and peaceful march in Lima, which was repressed by police firing shotgun pellets and tear gas.
The 18 ministers sworn in on Thursday would temporarily remain in their posts, so as to avoid "power vacuum" Merino said, although most of them had resigned following Saturday’s deadly protest.
The resignation was embraced with noisy celebrations in Lima - Sorosoke News
Peru’s President resigns
Reviewed by Esther Temilade
on
November 16, 2020
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Reviewed by Esther Temilade
on
November 16, 2020
Rating:
