Peruvian survives 2nd impeachment try

LIMA, Peru —Pedro Castillo, Peru’s president, survived his second impeachment as opposition lawmakers Monday night failed to get enough votes to remove him from office eight months into his term.

Castillo characterized the accusations against him as speculation and argued that none could be substantiated.

The votes of at least 87 of the 130 lawmakers were needed to remove the president. Fifty-five voted in favor, 54 against and 19 abstained.

“I salute that common sense, responsibility and democracy prevailed,” Castillo tweeted after the vote.

The lawmakers seeking to remove Castillo had noted he is the subject of three preliminary investigations into possible corruption, which under Peruvian law cannot proceed until he is out of office. There is also a separate accusation from a would-be collaborator who alleged he is part of a criminal group that receives money in exchange for public works.

A survey by the Institute of Peruvian Studies published in March by the newspaper “La Republica” said Congress’ disapproval rate was 79%, while 68% had negative views of Castillo.

Peru has also been seeing demonstrations across the country in recent days to protest prices for food, fuel and fertilizer.

(AP/Guadalupe Pardo) Police guard the jail where former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori is being held Tuesday in Lima, Peru.