Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was detained and removed from office on grounds of “permanent moral disability” on Dec. 7 after attempting to dissolve Congress and implement a nationwide curfew.
Legislators unanimously denounced the former head of state’s decree as a coup against democratically elected officials.
With visibly shaking hands, the president said he planned to disband the legislative body, which would be replaced by a newly elected assembly with “constituent powers to prepare a new constitution within a period not exceeding nine months.”
During the speech, Castillo declared that a nationwide curfew of 10 p.m. would be effective immediately. He said that from Dec. 7, “we will only rule by decree.”
Both public and political outrage arrived swiftly on the heels of the president’s announcement. Social media exploded with demands for Castillo’s removal from office.
“This decision sets up a coup d'etat and moves away from all constitutional frameworks,” congresswoman Ruth Luque stated.
Ironically, Castillo’s attempt to dissolve Congress was a last-ditch effort to stall another impeachment vote, which was set to take place only hours before his public decree. The vote would have been Congress’ third attempt since July 2021.
The national curfew was another 11th-hour measure meant to stem the growing tide of public rebellion against Castillo spreading throughout the nation.
In November, thousands of Peruvians took to the streets across the country, demanding the leftist leader step down from office amid high inflation and multiple corruption charges against his administration.
Inflation rates have risen steadily under Castillo’s leadership, topping out at more than 8 percent. This has greatly affected Castillo’s supporters, most of whom are working class.
Shortly after his attempted consolidation of power, police intercepted Castillo as he tried to flee the government palace in Lima with his family.
Meanwhile, an emergency congressional session took place.
The legislative meeting was called to vote on Castillo’s forced removal from office, which is only permissible in Peruvian law on grounds of mental or moral incapacity to uphold the duties of the country’s highest office.
In a speedy decision, 101 legislators voted to remove Castillo immediately.
A criminal complaint will also be filed against the former president for attempting to dissolve Congress without any legal purpose.
Vice President Dina Boluarte has been sworn in as the nation’s president until July 2026, when Castillo’s term would have expired.
