The President of Peru, Manuel Merino, has on Sunday, tendered his resignation, just five days after taking Office, sparking celebrations in the capital city of Lima, following street protests against him, and the ousting of his popular predecessor,
This is a big step, compared to Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, who has remained in Office, despite rejection from the public for bad governance, insecurity, economy recession, and massive youths unemployment and oppression under his watch.
“I want to let the whole country know that I am resigning”, Mr. Merino said in a televised address, a day after a Police crackdown on protesters left at least two people dead.
Merino, 59, resigned shortly after a crisis session of Congress called on him to quit power before 6:00pm (23:00 GMT), or face censure.
Congress is expected to appoint a new President, the South American country’s third in a week, in a new session called for 6:00pm.
Thousands had taken to the streets in days of protests against Merino, following the ouster of his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on corruption allegations, on Monday.
Peru’s Congress ultimatum came after the Health Ministry said that two protesters were killed on Saturday, during a massive and peaceful march in Lima, which was repressed by Police firing shotgun pellets and teargas.
Merino stated that in order to avoid a “power vacuum”, the 18 Ministers he swore-in on Thursday, would temporarily remain in their posts, though almost all had resigned in the wake of Saturday’s deadly protest.
The resignation was greeted by noisy celebrations in Lima, with demonstrators taking to the streets, sounding horns and banging pots.
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