Peruvian interim president Manuel Merino announced on Sunday (16) that he would resign from the presidency, ending his reign of only five days. The reason for the resignation is that the former president Martin Vizcarra was impeached by Congress after fighting with each other, but caused days of violent protests in the streets, which were filled with protesters every day during Merino’s reign.
According to CNN, Merino announced to the Peruvian people on Sunday, “I want the nation to know that I am resolutely resigning from the presidency and calling on all Peruvians to return to peace and unity.” He said he would do his best to guarantee the right to constitutional succession and assist Congress in making decisions that would allow Peru to move forward.
Merino, who was president of Congress before becoming interim president, took over after Congress accused Biscara of corruption and impeached him. Biscara has so far denied the corruption charges, and the news of his impeachment ignited popular anger, with many Peruvians taking to the streets for six consecutive nights since the 9th to protest the congressional decision.
The violent demonstrations resulted in 2 deaths and 94 injuries on the 14th, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the 2 deaths. The Peruvian Ombudsman’s Office continues to monitor the demonstrators and has appealed on social media not to fire tear gas and rubber bullets at the demonstrators.
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