Peru's Prime Minister denies promoting shutdown of Congress

Peru's Prime Minister, Anibal Torres, testified Thursday before Congress over alleged statements in which he encouraged social organizations to shut down Congress.

"I have never said that Congress should be closed. We must not lie; we must speak the truth," Torres said.

For some members of Congress, the prime minister committed a constitutional offence when he allegedly promoted the closing of Congress during a meeting with trade unionists.

Congressman Jose Cueto, member of the Renovacion Popular party, accused Torres of manipulating public opinion.

"Congress does not come to fight with you; it is you who like to manipulate people," said Cueto.

Meanwhile hundreds of people marched against Congress, which had strongly opposed President Pedro Castillo's government.

Peru's Congress is even more unpopular than Castillo.

Experts consider that its representative capacity is almost nil and the legislators of all political spectrums are not good enough.

According to a June national survey by the Institute of Peruvian Studies, Congress was 85% unpopular among respondents, while only 12% approved and 3% were undecided.