Andina

Peru: Martin Vizcarra arrives at Congress to be sworn in as President

13:04 | Lima, Mar. 23.

First Vice-President Martin Vizcarra arrived today at Parliament headquarters in Lima to be sworn in as new President of the Republic of Peru.

The incoming President arrived at 1:00 PM joined by Peru's Prime Minister Mercedes Araoz and his wife Maribel Diaz.

Previously, Vizcarra headed to the Foreign Affairs Ministry facilities, where he awaited Congress invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Before leaving for Congress, the former Ambassador to Canada was awarded Peru's Order of the Sun in the rank of Grand Collar, and Order of Merit for Distinguished Service in the rank of Grand Special Cross.

Vizcarra —who also served as Moquegua Region Governor (2011-2014)— landed in Lima from Toronto Friday at 12:47 AM (local time), amid high expectations.

He replaces Pedro Pablo Kuczynski following the 79-year-old economist's resignation as Head of State of the Inca nation.

As is known, Kuczynski announced his resignation in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday afternoon.

The announcement came after the opposition alleged that the embattled President's allies were trying to buy votes ahead of a second impeachment motion trying to oust him from office.


(END) RMB/MVB

Published: 3/23/2018