Dina Bolovat became the first female president of Peru on Wednesday, for her former president being arrested and impeached for suspected insurgency.
Former Vice President Bolualte was sworn in as the highest position in Congress, becoming the sixth president of Peru in less than five years.
Before the upcoming impeachment vote by lawmakers, Castillo announced plans to dissolve Congress and establish an emergency government on the same day, which Peru's ombudsman described as a "coup attempt." He also called for parliamentary elections to create a new constitution. The move sparked a series of cabinet resignations, fierce reactions from senior officials and condemnation from regional neighbors, and ultimately failed to stop Congress from impeachment of him.
Peruvian armed forces called this a "constitutional violation".
U.S. ambassador to Peru Lisa Kenner said on Twitter that international officials joined the chorus that condemned Castillo, and the United States urged the leader to "turn around" the move and "allow Peru's democratic institutions to operate under the constitution."
Argentina's foreign ministry issued a statement on Twitter expressing "deep concern" about the political crisis in Peru, and Brazil's foreign ministry said in a statement that Castillo's actions "don't fit the country's constitutional framework and represent an infringement of democracy and the rule of law."
What is even more shocking is that Castillo was detained by police in the capital Lima after being impeached by lawmakers in Congress.
The pictures shared from the province show that the former president was wearing a blue jacket and sitting around a table while officials were signing documents.
Images shared from the province show the former president wearing a blue jacket sitting around a table while officials sign the documents.
Peru's Attorney General's Office said in a statement that Castillo was arrested for suspected insurgency "for violating the constitutional order."
" Peruvian Attorney General Patricia Benavides said in a statement: "We condemn acts that violate the constitutional order." "The Peruvian political constitution stipulates the separation of powers and determines that Peru is a democratic and sovereign republic... No authority can place itself above the constitution and must abide by its constitutional tasks."
The former teacher and trade union leader rose from obscurity and was elected by a narrow margin in the decisive game in July 2021 and is regarded as part of the "pink tide" of the new left leader of Latin America. His campaign platform promises to rewrite the constitution and strengthen wealth redistribution by giving states greater control over markets and natural resources, which he has been working to deliver on amid rising inflation in Peru, his lack of political experience, and strong conservative opposition from Congress.
The left-wing leader's government has been in chaos since his inauguration, and dozens of ministers have been appointed, replaced, fired or resigned over more than a year, which puts him even more pressure.
Castillo criticized the opposition for trying to remove him from the first day he took office. He accused Benavides of orchestrating what he called a new form of "coup" against him through an investigation by his office.
In October, Benavidez filed a constitutional complaint against Castillo based on three of the six investigations conducted by his office. The complaint allows Congress to conduct its own investigation into the former president.
Castillo is facing a series of investigations about whether he uses his position to seek benefits for himself, his family and his closest allies, gain favor or preferential treatment by selling influence, and some other claims.
Castillo repeatedly denied all charges and reiterated his willingness to cooperate with any investigation. He argued that the allegations were the result of persecution of him and his family by groups that did not accept his election victory.
The former president faces five preliminary criminal investigations accusing him of planning a corruption plan during his tenure. These include prosecutors alleging that he led a "criminal network" that interfered in public institutions such as the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Housing and Peru's state-owned oil companies to control the public bidding process and benefit specific companies and close allies.
Castillo repeatedly denied all charges and reiterated his willingness to cooperate with any investigation. He argued that the allegations were the result of persecution of him and his family by groups that did not accept his election victory.
The former president faces five preliminary criminal investigations accusing him of planning a corruption plan during his tenure. These include prosecutors alleging that he led a "criminal network" that interfered in public institutions such as the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Housing and Peru's state-owned oil companies to control the public bidding process and benefit specific companies and close allies.
These investigations involve Castillo's family, including his wife and sister-in-law. The former first lady was investigated for suspected coordination of criminal networks. Her sister-in-law is under investigation for suspected involvement in criminal organizations, money laundering and serious collusion. She will remain in custody until the judge dropped her 30-month "preventive detention".
On October 20, Castillo said in a televised speech at the presidential palace: "My daughter, my wife, my entire family has been attacked because of me, and some people don't want me to complete my term, and I promise you I will complete my term, and I am not corruption."
In the same speech, Castillo acknowledged the corruption of some of his closest allies and said: "If they betray my trust, let the law deal with them."
The new president's coming to power may not necessarily alleviate the toxic and painful political situation in Peru, because she needs to gain cross-party support to rule.
Meanwhile, many Peruvian have been calling for a complete restart. According to a poll by the Peruvian Institute (IEP), in September 2022, 60% of Peruvians said they support early elections and completely renew the president and Congress.
