Peru´s Boluarte wants to stay in office; opponents demand elections

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Peruvians woke up Friday with several roads blocked and protests around the country led by supporters of the ousted President Pedro Castillo.

Dina Boluarte, who was sworn in as Peru's first female leader, appeared on national television Friday in her first official event as head of state trying to reassure the country after a series of dramatic events.

While some and political opponents are demanding the new president call for elections, Boluarte, who was Castillo's vice president, said she should be allowed to hold the office for the remaining three-and-a-half years of his term.

She asked for a "truce" to allow her to fight corruption, of which the outgoing president was accused.

Castillo was removed from office on Wednesday after he tried to dissolve Congress hours before facing an impeachment vote.

While Congress voted overwhelmingly, 101 to six, in favor of removing Castillo, his car was stopped by his bodyguards while he was seeking refuge at the Mexican Embassy in Lima.

Castillo was taken to the police station and is in the custody of authorities in the South American country.

Peru’s attorney general said Castillo is being investigated on allegations of “rebellion” and “conspiracy”.

Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, shared a copy Thursday of Castillo's legal request for asylum in Mexico.

Ebrard wrote on Twitter that Mexican Ambassador to Peru, Pablo Monroy, met Castillo in Lima and the two countries are discussing the issue.

Peru has had five presidents since 2016, including Castillo, who was elected to serve from 2021 - 2026.

During his time in office, he was accused of corruption, which he has denied.