Peru's interim president resigns less than a week in office

Peru's Interim President Manuel Merino has announced his resignation following days of unrest over his abrupt appointment into the highest office.

Peru’s interim President Manuel Merino announces his resignation in a televised address in Lima, Peru [Reuters]

In part, what caused Merino to resign five days into his new role as president, was the death of two protests at the hands of police.

"I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning,” Merino said in a televised address on Sunday, adding, his decision was “irrevocable” and done in the name of keeping “peace and unity."

Merino's sudden thrust to power came after the opposition-dominated parliament voted President Martin Vizcarra out of office over allegations of bribery which Vizcarra has denied. Protesters describe the expulsion as a political coup.

Peru's head of Congress justified President Vicarra's impeachment as a necessity for the Peruvian people.

"We should put above all else the lives of the Peruvian people,” said Valdez, who himself plans to resign.

A protester drags cardboard into a fire during in Lima, Peru on Saturday night [Rodrigo Abd/The Associated Press]A protester drags cardboard into a fire during in Lima, Peru on Saturday night [Rodrigo Abd/The Associated Press]

Health authorities have identified the deceased protesters as 22-year-old Jack Pintado and 24-year-old Jordan Sotelo. Pintado was shot 11 times by police, including on the head. Sotelo was shot four times the near his heart.

Thousands of Peruvians poured into the streets, shortly after Merino's announcement, celebrating. Many waved flags, chanted cries of victory, and banged pots.

“The march is not for Vizcarra to return, it is strictly against Merino. We are tired of corruption, of the usual politicians who divide and impose their personal interests,” Cesar Anchante, a University of Lima graduate who marched in a rally Saturday, said.

Human rights groups say that as of Sunday, approximately 112 people have been injured since the demonstration began, and 41 others are missing.

By: Niza Nondo