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Castillo Risks Being Toppled by Impeachment Vote: Peru Timeline

  • President this week faces the second attempt to impeach him
  • Peruvian laws make it relatively easy to oust a head of state
Demonstrators in support of Peru's President Pedro Castillo hold a large Peruvian flag outside the Legislative Palace in Lima, Peru, on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

Demonstrators in support of Peru's President Pedro Castillo hold a large Peruvian flag outside the Legislative Palace in Lima, Peru, on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

Photographer: Angela Ponce/Bloomberg

Pedro Castillo went from being a virtually unknown former school teacher to president of Peru last year, in one of the quickest ascents in political history. He now risks a similarly swift exit from office. 

On Monday, Castillo faces the second attempt by opposition lawmakers to oust him for “permanent moral incapacity,” after just eight months in power. At least 87 of the 130 lawmakers would need to vote to eject him from the presidency, in which case Vice President Dina Boluarte would take over as head of state. The fact that the process was supported by 76 votes suggests the final vote will be a close call.