Peru on Tuesday, November 10, swore-in the head of Congress Manuel Merino as its new President after his predecessor was controversially ousted. Political turmoil intensified in the country following the Merino’s surprise move a day earlier to remove President Martín Vizcarra. He was recently accused of trying to secure the military’s support for a congressional effort to boot Vizcarra out over unproven corruption allegations.
The former head of Congress and businessman Manuel Merino placed his hand on a Bible and swore to carry out the remainder of the current presidential term, which is set to expire in July of next year. Merino then wore the red and white presidential sash while wearing a face mask and stood as the nation’s anthem was played.
Meanwhile, Merino’s swearing-in was met with protests on the streets of Peru’s capital a day after Congress voted to oust popular President Martín Vizcarra, who had campaigned against corruption. Peruvians widely suspected the legislators and decried Vizcarra’s removal as an apparent power grab. Further, the analysts warned that the country could be thrown into a new period of instability at the same time as it fights with the worst coronavirus outbreaks. Furthermore, the riot police blocked hundreds of protesters against Merino who banged pots and pans as he was sworn into office.
