Peru’s interim president, Manuel Merino has resigned, a day after two people died during protests against his government and just five days after entering office. Merino in a televised address on Sunday stated;
I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning.The former minister, 59, resigned after a crisis session of Congress called on him to quit power before 6:00 pm or face revolt. Congress is expected to appoint a new president — the South American country’s third in a week — in a new session.
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Thousands of demonstrators, mostly young took to the streets in days protesting against Merino following the ouster of his predecessor Martin Vizcarra, 57, who was impeached based on corruption allegations last week.
They accused Congress of staging a parliamentary coup against Vizcarra, who had support among many voters for his attempts at reform. Congress’ ultimatum came after the health ministry said two protesters got killed on Saturday during a massive and peaceful march in Lima, which was caused by police firing shotgun pellets and tear gas.
Police reportedly fired tear gas and shotgun pellets to repel demonstrators, some of whom had thrown fireworks and stones. Two men, 24 years old and 25 years old, were killed. Medical officials said they died from gunshot wounds.
This caused twelve ministers from his recently-appointed cabinet resigned earlier on Sunday, all in protest against police brutality and Merino’s manner of handling of the protest.
Merino had been expected to retain the presidency until July 2021 – when Vizcarra‘s term was due to end.
Vizcarra has been embroiled in a bitter battle with Congress, which is dominated by rival parties, since he took office in March 2018. He denied allegations that he accepted bribes worth 2.3m soles ($640,000; £487,000) when he was governor of the southern Moquegua region.
Merino’s resignation was celebrated in the country’s capital, Lima, with demonstrators taking to the streets sounding horns and banging pots.
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