Module 4
Article Title: “In Peru, Protests and Turmoil Over Impeachment, Ouster of its Popular President”
Source: NBC News
Political leaders across the world have been severely reprimanded and criticized on their handling of the COVID-19 virus. As positive virus cases continue to increase, countries facing high infection rates are beginning to crumble under pressure. President Martin Vizcarra of Peru is facing possible impeachment due to his poor handling of the virus. Peru stands as the country with the highest mortality rate due to COVID-19 and his fellow officials are not happy. Even though Peru has struggled with the handling of the virus, Vizcarra is very respected and liked amongst the Peruvian people. Therefore, the citizens of Peru have not taken his impeachment lightly. Vizcarra came into office after Peru’s previous president was removed and now the cycle continues. Political officials outside of Congress do not agree with the decision to remove Vizcarra and encourage citizens to view his replacement as illegitimate. Congress claims Vizcarra is not only being removed due to COVID-19 but also for prior allegations of corruption. There is little no evidence convicting Vizcarra of these allegations, therefore officials are warning this decision may put Peru’s democratic system at risk. “To go after a president and destabilize the country’s democracy in the middle of this type of crisis for no serious reason is beyond reckless”, says Harvard specialist Steve Levitsky. Many are concerned with what may happen after having Vizcarra removed during this unprecedented time. Peruvian citizens have undergone enough chaos and turmoil during the rising severity of COVID-19, it is unfair for their president to be taken out of office in the middle of the pandemic.
The opinions of the Peruvian people are being disregarded due to the alarming hatred towards Vizcarra. Officials continue to place all the pressure and responsibility on Vizcarra for the deaths of Peruvian people due to COVID-19. According to NBC news, 922,333 citizens have been infected in a country with only 32 million citizens. Peruvian lawmaker Maria Cabrera said “This is something I can never forgive”. Unfortunately, Congress holds the power and despite the opinions of others, it seems that Vizcarra has accepted his defeat and is ready for his removal.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/peru-protests-turmoil-over-impeachment-ouster-its-president-n1247233