Peruvian President Pedro Castillo yesterday named the country’s culture minister as the new prime minister after the incumbent resigned. Betssy Chavez, 33, is the fifth person to hold the post since the politically troubled Castillo took office 16 months ago.
Castillo and Chávez will now have to reshuffle the cabinet again after former prime minister Anibal Torres announced his resignation the day before amid an ongoing conflict between the leftist president and the conservative-controlled parliament. Chávez is one of Castillo’s supporters in parliament and now has 30 days to get a confidence vote from parliament.
Castillo has been in office since July 2021. There are now six preliminary investigations against him and a constitutional complaint against charges including corruption, involvement in organized crime and obstruction of justice. Castillo rejects the allegations as politically motivated. During his term, which normally ends in July 2026, he enjoys immunity. It can still be determined against him.