Peru's attorney general on Tuesday filed a purported constitutional lawsuit against President Pedro Castillo for alleged corruption offences, opening a legal battle that opposition forces hope could lead to his ouster.
"We have found very serious indications of a criminal organization that has taken root in the government," said Attorney General Patricia Benavides. The prosecution is investigating the leftist head of state for influence peddling and corruption in contracts for a bridge project, among other alleged crimes. The prosecution also conducted 36 raids across the country and arrested five former close advisers to Castillo on Tuesday as part of the investigation.
Castillo denies any wrongdoing and promised Tuesday night to finish his term in 2026, as well as to defend himself for what he considers "political persecution." Castillo described the constitutional lawsuit, as well as the raids and arrests against his allies, as a "coup d'état" orchestrated by the attorney general's office. "We are facing a new form of coup d'état," he assured.
Castillo already faces five criminal investigations into whether he has used the presidency for his own benefit and has survived two impeachment attempts in just over a year in office.
Some lawmakers have said they want to launch a third impeachment bid, though they acknowledge they don't have enough votes. Others, however, think the constitutional challenge could lead to Castillo's suspension with fewer votes in the opposition-controlled Congress than a formal impeachment vote.
But Prime Minister Aníbal Torres asserted that the constitutional claim was unconstitutional in its own right, setting the stage for a legal battle over the limits of the mechanism.
Under Peru's constitution, a head of state can be tried for crimes such as treason and obstruction of the electoral system, but enjoys immunity for crimes such as corruption. But he could be removed from office if two-thirds of members of Congress vote to impeach him.
Since Castillo won the elections last year, the country has been in a state of almost constant political crisis. In addition to the impeachment offers, prosecutors have opened six investigations against him, there have been several cabinet changes and resignations, and his approval rating has plummeted around 25%, according to a recent poll. A congressional subcommittee is also holding hearings against Vice President Dina Boluarte that could lead to her removal.
Peru is experiencing a few years of political instability, caused by a high turnover of presidents: five since 2016. One of them was impeached, another resigned before an impeachment vote, and a third resigned after street protests erupted.
