Peru's Legislators Oust the Country's President

Peru's legislators have voted in favor of impeaching President Pedro Castillo, intensifying the political crisis that erupted on Wednesday when Castillo attempted to dissolve the legislature and create an emergency government, CNN reports.

On Wednesday, a majority of 101 out of 130 congress members voted for Castillo's impeachment, while the body announced that Vice President Dina Boluarte would swear in as Peru's new president.

The vote sent a clear message of dissent following Castillo's televised address from the presidential palace, where he outlined plans for early parliamentary elections and efforts to work on a new constitution, which also triggered multiple resignations from the cabinet and strong reactions from senior officials.

Francisco Morales, the President of Peru's Constitutional Court, urged Boluarte to assume the presidential position in a speech prior to the Congress's vote. It is noteworthy that President Pedro Castillo has dissolved the country's Congress (a unicameral parliament) and imposed a curfew.

“The following measures are proposed within the framework of an emergency and exceptional situation: temporarily dissolve Congress and appoint a government. Decide as soon as possible on the date for new assembly elections, which has constituent powers to draft a new constitution within a period not exceeding nine months,” the president stated.

The head of state has ordered a reorganization of the judicial system in the country. A curfew has been announced nationwide from 10 PM to 4 AM.