Peruvian president, Martín Vizcarra, has dissolved the country’s Congress, citing the Congress’ refusal to support his anti-corruption measures as grounds for the dissolution. With the measure, Mr. Vizcarra intends to force new elections with the hopes that a different legislature would be more friendly to his agenda.
Members of the opposition party have called the measure a “coup,” have moved to suspend President Vizcarra, and have sworn in Vice-President Mercedes Aráoz as acting president. Now, both Mr. Vizcarra and Ms. Aráoz claim the presidency. The military and police have thrown their support behind Mr. Vizcarra, and thousands of people gathered outside the congressional building in a showing of support for Vizcarra. Legal uncertainty remains, as Mr. Vizcarra claims that his suspension is “null and void” because it occurred after the Congress had already been suspended. The Congress claims that the dissolution was an unconstitutional act by a dictator, and refuses to leave the congressional building.
