Link To Article: Peru’s President Martin Vizcarra Ousted In Impeachment Vote
Peru’s Congress voted to oust President Martin Vizcarra from office, on counts of corruption and mishandling the pandemic. This decision comes as a surprise to the general public, who had expected him to survive the vote. 105 out of 130 lawmakers voted to remove him, from 9 different parties. During his time in office, Vizcarra gained many enemies (like those who voted him out) with his campaign against corruption and anti-graft reforms.
The former president was accused of taking bribes worth 2.3M Soles from companies while he was the governor of Moquegua, though so far he has denied any and all allegations against him. The general public seems to agree with him, calling his ousting a coup and protesting in the streets. Many who believe he is innocent cite his promise to submit to an investigation at the end of his term.
This trial and subsequent vote seem unlikely to have taken place like this without any sort of collusion between political parties. Those he had tried to bring into line with anti-graft reforms and anti-corruption acts were still in a place to be able to impeach him on very little evidence whatsoever. Manuel Merino is set to replace him until the next elections, and as he is an opposition lawmaker, it is likely the people of Peru will be hurt by new laws made for the foreseeable future.
In spite of any personal conflicts over the impeachment, Vizcarra left the presidential palace peacefully. Because of his long-standing campaign against corruption within the government, he believes he is leaving office with a “clear conscience.” Future investigations and evidence will decide how history will judge Vizcarra, even if it will be through a biased lense.