President Castillo Denies Wrongdoing, Pledges Institutional Reforms

Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has concluded his address to the plenary session of the Congress a day after lawmakers passed a motion to begin impeachment proceedings against him.

• Castillo noted that the mandates of five (out of six) constitutional court judges and the human rights ombudsman have expired, adding that the judicial branch has suffered from a legitimacy crisis. His government will soon propose reforms to overcome the ongoing institutional crisis.
• The President denied any wrongdoing and insisted that the public was misled into believing that his government has engaged in acts of corruption. He pledged not to shield any official who committed any crime.