Peruvian president dissolves Congress hours before impeachment trial

BOGOTA, Colombia

Peruvian President Pedro Castillo announced Wednesday the temporary dissolution of Congress.

Castillo said in a televised message that he will demand congressional elections to approve a new Constitution.

"To summon, as soon as possible, elections for a new Congress with constituent powers to elaborate a new Constitution within a period of no more than nine months. From that date until the new Congress is installed, the government will govern by decree laws," said Castillo. "In response to citizens' demands throughout the country, we have decided to establish an emergency government aimed at reestablishing the rule of law and democracy.”

The announcement was made hours before he faces an impeachment trial in Congress.

Castillo also announced that a curfew will be imposed at 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.

The dissolution of Congress has been condemned by political forces, including the party that brought him to power, Peru Libre, and a series of Cabinet resignations followed.

Castillo has gone through two unsuccessful impeachment proceedings and he has made more than 50 changes to his Cabinet.

He is facing investigations for allegedly committing crimes related to “criminal organization,” but Castillo has denied the allegations saying “economic interest groups” are looking to oust him.

Peru has had five presidents since 2016, including Castillo, who was elected to serve from 2021 - 2026.

In 2018, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski faced an impeachment motion but resigned before the vote.