Mar 29, 2022 - World

Peru's president survives impeachment vote

Rebecca Falconer

Pedro Castillo, Peru's president, center, leaves for an impeachment hearing at the Congress of the Republic in Lima, Peru, on Monday, March 28. — Peruvian President Pedro Castillo (second from left) leaves for an impeachment hearing at the Congress of the Republic in Lima, Peru, on Monday. Photo: Angela Ponce/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Peru's President Pedro Castillo survived an impeachment push from opposition lawmakers eight months into his term after they failed to secure enough votes to remove him from office on Monday night.

Driving the news: Opposition lawmakers in Congress accused the socialist leader of "moral incapacity," saying he faces "three preliminary investigations into possible corruption," per AP.

They needed 87 votes to impeach the son of peasant farmers who last year narrowly beat the daughter of a conservative former president known for being part of the country's elite. They secured 54 votes.

What he's saying: "I salute that common sense, responsibility and democracy prevailed," Castillo tweeted after the impeachment vote.

"I recognize the parliamentarians who voted against the vacancy, and I respect the decision of those who did. I call everyone to turn this page and work together for the great challenges of the country."

The big picture: Castillo in 2021 became the fifth president in as many years, after a series of removals by Congress, planned impeachments and forced resignations over corruption allegations and accusations of police brutality, notes Marina E. Franco, writing for Axios Latino.

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Peru's president survives impeachment vote

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