Latin America

Castillo’s annus horribilis in Peru

President Pedro Castillo completes one year in office today, with little assurance that he will remain in charge for that much longer

peru Poll suggest that three-quarters of the population do not approve of the president. Photo: Presidencia Perú/Shutterstock
Poll suggest that three-quarters of the population do not approve of the president. Photo: Presidencia Perú/Shutterstock

A year ago today, rural professor and former peasant patrolman Pedro Castillo took the oath of office as the president of Peru. His inauguration came after winning a runoff election by a whisker and managing to stop his contestant, far-right leader Keiko Fujimori, from overthrowing the election. But for Mr. Castillo, staying in office has proven just as difficult as winning it in the first place. Perhaps even more so. 

In many aspects, it is already a surprise that he has lasted this long.

Mr. Castillo has already dodged two motions in Congress to oust him for “moral incapacity” (an umbrella term Peruvian lawmakers evoke when trying to get rid of the sitting head of state) and has been forced to overhaul his cabinet more times than one can count. He has even been abandoned by the party for which he ran for president last year.

Meanwhile, the embattled leader has personally faced five investigations for a variety of alleged crimes, including corruption and obstruction of justice. The latest of which was approved by the Public Prosecutor’s Office just last week. 

A whopping 92 percent of Peruvians believe the country has not made any progress in Mr. Castillo’s first year at the helm. 

Another poll suggests that three-quarters...

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