Peru ministers: not backing Vizcarra impeachment

Peru's government said on Saturday it may ask the country's top court to intervene on a threat of impeachment facing President Martin Vizcarra.

The latest political storm to hit the South American country was spurred on Thursday by lawmakers who accuse the president of obstructing an investigation into nearly 50,000 US dollars in government contracts given to singer Richard Cisneros.

Speaking from Lima, Justice Minister Ana Neyra said the Council of Ministers had approved a motion to present a demand before the Constitutional Tribunal.

"Our objective is that it, as the highest interpreter for the Constitution, be the one to determine the moral permanent vacancy that is wrongfully and unconstitutionally intended against the president," she added.

Vizcarra acknowledged knowing Cisneros but said he had no role in any contracts given.

Peru's defense minister and president of council of ministers also spoke alongside Neyra in Lima defending Vizcarra.

"Martin Vizcarra, leads a democratic government, respectful of the independence of powers, as well of the fundamental rights and liberties," said Walter Martos.

The political turmoil strikes as Peru is reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.

The nation has the world’s highest per-population virus mortality rate and is facing a severe economic contraction that has left millions without work.

Peru also has been repeatedly rocked by political turmoil and corruption scandals.

Nearly every former living president has been implicated in the regional graft scandal involving the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.

(Representative Image)