The Peruvian Congress has launched a political trial against President Martín Vizcarra, who is accused of hindering an investigation for corruption.
The motion was supported by a vote of 65-36. Lawmakers are expected to discuss next week whether Biscay will have to be ignored for “moral incapacity. “
He is accused of abusing the public budget and then covering it up.
Vizcarra, 57, denies misunderstood and accuses Congress of organizing a political coup.
Peru country profile
Friday’s Congressional consultation was convened after Congressional President Manuel Merino won leaked audio recordings in which Vizcarra appears to be discussing tactics to hide misuse of public funds.
Recordings are conversations between Mr. Vizcarra and his assistants.
He is heard telling his assistants to downplay the main points of his office hiring a little-known singer, Richard Cisneros, to offer motivational interviews for the government. Cisneros is reported to have earned $49,500 (38,000 euros).
The opposition accuses the presidency of wasting resources at a time when Peruvians face economic difficulties similar to the coronavirus crisis.
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President Vizcarra, who took office in 2018, denies all accusations.
Earlier Friday, he described the attempts to fire him as “a plot to destabilize his government. “
In September 2019, Vizcarra dissolved Congress, arguing that lawmakers obstructed its anti-corruption program.
He did not get a general majority in the election that followed in January.