International reactions to the political crisis in Peru after the dismissal of Pedro Castillo

A new political crisis broke out this Wednesday in Peru after the self-coup promoted by the now ex-president Pedro Castillo before Congress votes on a request for vacancy and dismissal.

Castillo, through a national channel, announced the dissolution of Congress, however, this was unconstitutional because it could be done if it had censured or denied confidence in two Councils of Ministers.

Hours later, Congress voted to vacate Castillo’s post due to moral incapacity.

Live: Congress of Peru voted and removed President Pedro Castillo from office, he will be succeeded by Vice President Dina Boluarte

International reactions have not been long in coming, one of them was the response from the Mexican government, which announced the suspension of the Pacific Alliance Summit and called for “respect for democracy and human rights” in that country.

“Given the latest events in Peru, it has been agreed to postpone the Summit of the Pacific Alliance that would take place on December 14 in the City of Lima,” Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced on Twitter.

Initially the Summit was to be held from November 24 to 26, but since Castillo could not leave the country they decided to move it to Lima.

Pedro Castillo detained after leaving the presidential palace while the Peruvian Congress dismissed him after the meteoric self-coup

While the United States considered Castillo as former president.

“It is my understanding that, given the action of Congress, it is now former President Castillo,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters, adding that Peruvian congressmen took “corrective measures” in accordance with democratic rules.

“We will categorically reject any act that contravenes (…) any Constitution, any act that undermines democracy in that country,” Price said.

The United States will act “in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the Peruvian people,” the spokesman said.

Political crisis in Peru: Pedro Castillo will face the Peruvian justice due to what analysts describe as a crime of a coup. Who is Pedro Castillo and what is he accused of?

In the case of Colombia, the Foreign Ministry expressed its solidarity with Peru and called for dialogue in addition to condemning an attack against democracy.

“The Government of Colombia expresses its concern about the political crisis in Peru, stands in solidarity with the brotherly Peruvian people and calls for dialogue to all political actors to safeguard democracy,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Colombia condemns any attack against democracy, wherever it comes from, and remembers that democracy requires the recognition of the popular will expressed both in the elections for president and for Congress,” added the Foreign Ministry in its statement.

Dina Boluarte, the first woman to assume the Presidency of Peru, after the dismissal of Pedro Castillo

The government of Gabriel Boric for its part regretted the political crisis and hopes that the situation “can be resolved through democratic mechanisms and respect for the rule of law,” according to a statement released through the Foreign Ministry.

“Our country makes an emphatic call for respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and reaffirms its commitment to democracy and dialogue as the way to overcome this complex moment,” added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ecuador expressed “deep concern” after the situation in Peru and made “a call to all political actors to maintain the rule of law and democracy.”

He also urged the international community to facilitate the democratic process in Peru.

Ecuador’s Foreign Minister, Juan Carlos Holguín, was part of the high-level group appointed by the Organization of American States (OAS) to assess the political situation in Peru in November, and in whose report he called for a dialogue and initiation of a political truce to overcome the governance crisis that the country is going through.

Spain, on the other hand, condemned the rupture of the constitutional order in Peru and celebrated the restoration of democratic normality.

“Spain will always be on the side of democracy and the defense of constitutional legality,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Wednesday. (YO)