Peru Labor Minister says he has no criminal record

While hundreds of protesters gathered in the streets surrounding Peru's Congress, inside members were taking aim at the two-month old government of President Pedro Castillo.

The Congress is looking into whether or not Castillo's Minister of Labour, Iber Maravi, had a criminal record prior to his coming to work for Castillo's government.

The President of Peru's Congress said she had spoken to Castillo and would "take him at his word."

"The government will not present a vote of confidence," said Maria del Carmen Alva Prieto, putting Castillo on notice that if they do find something they may move towards a no-confidence vote.

After saying he was not guilty of any criminal activity Maravi released a joint police and Interpol document stating he has no criminal record.

The issue at stake is Congress' confidence in Castillo's government.

If Congress votes no-confidence twice for any government, whomever is president of Peru may dissolve and close congress and call for new elections.

In November of 2020, Peru had three presidents in a single week after one was impeached by Congress over corruption allegations and protests forced his successor to resign.

Castillo was a rural teacher who never held political office before he assumed office less than two weeks after he was declared the winner of the June 6 runoff election succeeding President Francisco Sagasti, whom Congress appointed in November to lead the South American nation after weeks of political turmoil.