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PEru is in danger of sinking into chaos since parliament toppled former president Martín Vizcarra a week ago. Because many Peruvians see this step as a “parliamentary coup” and the interim government of the former president of Parliament Manuel Merino as illegitimate. He resigned his position as interim president on Sunday after just a few days.
Calls for resignation had grown louder previously. After increasingly violent clashes between protesters and police, the first deaths from the protests were to be in mourning on Saturday. That same night, 13 of the 18 ministers of the transitional government led by Merino announced their resignation. The new president of Congress, Luis Valdez, had also called for Merinos to resign immediately Sunday night. The mayor of Lima and other politicians in the country joined the demand.
For Sunday a meeting of representatives of the most important parties was scheduled to discuss a “constitutional solution to the crisis.” It became clear that Merino’s presidency could end in a few days. The interim president himself remained silent for the past few days. He finally appeared before the press on Sunday afternoon. It is not yet clear who will replace him.
Use of illegal ammunition
It is also unclear whether the resignation will reassure Peruvians. The brutal actions of the security forces are harshly criticized from many quarters. The death of two protesters illustrates the violence. One of the two dead was injured by shotgun ammunition used by the police against the protesters; The other victim is said to have been hit in the chest by a tear gas canister at point-blank range. Several journalists who reported on the protests have also been injured in recent days. The newspaper “El Comercio” reported on the use of illegal ammunition. One of his reporters, according to his own statements, was hit by a crystal ball. The actions of the security forces have already provoked violent reactions from various human rights organizations. Criticism also came from the United Nations Representation.
Protesters in the capital of Peru, Lima
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Image: EPA
Former President Vizcarra was removed from office last Monday for “permanent moral maladjustment” with a clear majority of deputies. He is accused of having been bribed by a construction company as governor of the Moquegua region between 2011 and 2014. Vizcarra denies the accusations, there is no evidence. Regardless of this, the justification for Vizcarra’s deposition with his “moral maladjustment” is controversial, because the constitution always had “mental insanity” in its sights. Therefore, the actions of the parliamentarians are seen as an attempt to stop Vizcarra’s fight against corruption and his commitment to reform. About half of all MPs are accused of various crimes or have already been charged.
Moment of peace: protesters march through the streets of Lima wearing the national colors of Peru.
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Image: EPA
It remains questionable whether the resignation of interim President Merino will also lead to an end to the protests. The protesters had called for his resignation, but discontent and anger are directed against the entire political class in Peru. Parallels to Chile emerge. There, discontent over an increase in the subway fare led to a protest movement that, after months of unrest, succeeded in pushing forward their demand for a new constitution.
Peru is considered to be less politicized than Chile. The current mobilization of large sectors of the population is even more astonishing. It can be assumed that the Peruvian demands will soon go beyond calling for the resignation of the interim government.
