Deadly demonstrations in Peru – NRK Urix – Foreign news and documentaries

“I want the whole country to know that I am resigning,” Merino said in the live speech, according to AFP.

“Like everyone else, I want the best for our country,” he added.

Merino had been informed just minutes before by the country’s national assembly that he had until 6 pm local time to resign, before a federal court against him was initiated.

According to AFP, Merino’s departure was greeted with cheers in much of the capital, Lima.

At least three died

Only five days have passed since Merino, who led the national assembly in the country, was installed as interim president of Peru. The background was that the elected deputies voted on Monday for the resignation of President Martín Vizcarra.

Merino is considered a fairly unknown figure in the Peruvian public. He came to power when the National Assembly used a clause from the 19th century and declared Martín Vizcarra incapacitated. The background is accusations of corruption.

The decision immediately sparked demonstrations across much of the country. On Saturday, the peaceful demonstrations turned violent.

When some people threw stones and porcelain putters, the police responded with tear gas. The confrontation ended with the death of two men in their 20s. It was later learned that a third person also lost his life.

According to AFP, one of the men died after being shot. At least 13 of Merino’s ministers resigned shortly after.

On Sunday special meetings of the National Assembly were called to discuss whether Merino should be expelled.

-I ask Merino to consider resigning immediately, said the leader of the National Assembly, Luis Caldez.

Accused of corruption

Polls show that a vast majority of people do not believe that Martín Vizcarra should have been deposed.

Vizcarra was elected president in March 2018. He wanted to initiate political reforms in Peru, but has encountered strong opposition in the National Assembly. The majority belong to the opposition.

Vizcarra believes that the National Assembly is actively working against his plans to get rid of corruption. About half of the members of the National Assembly are under investigation.

Just two months ago, he survived a vote of no confidence.

Vizcarra himself is accused of high treason by the opposition. According to them, he must have taken bribes when he was governor six years ago.

The president strongly denies the allegations. Prosecutors in Peru are investigating the case. Vizcarra has not been charged so far.

Vizcarra is now questioning whether his removal as president is legal, according to the BBC.