Martin Vizcarra is sworn in as Peruvian president after predecessor ousted over corruption charges. Martin Vizcarra, a 55-year-old engineer and technocrat who also was Peru's ambassador to Canada, took the oath of office shortly after 1 p.m. and was presented with the presidential sash by congressional president Luis Galarreta.
"With faith and optimism, Peru will always move forward," Vizcarra said in brief remarks.
Martín Vizcarra asume presidencia mientras Galarreta aplaude #Cambiodemando pic.twitter.com/OAWDjDzHWl
— Rommel YG (@rommelyg) March 23, 2018
— El Impulso (@elimpulsocom) March 23, 2018
105 lawmakers voted for the president's resignation, while 11 voted against and 4 abstained.
Earlier, the Peruvian Congress, which has accepted Kuczynski's resignation, stated that it would debate the matter. Peruvian Vice President Martin Vizcarra will likely be sworn in as president, according to reports.
The president announced his resignation on Twitter and thanked his people for "the love he has received."
Inaceptable la propuesta de Resolución Legislativa del Congreso que intenta presentar como vacancia una renuncia. De ser así retiro mi carta y me someto al procedimiento regular de vacancia donde ejerceré mi derecho de defensa.
— PedroPablo Kuczynski (@ppkamigo) March 23, 2018
— PedroPablo Kuczynski (@ppkamigo) March 22, 2018
[POR MAYORÍA] Se acepta la renuncia y se declara la vacancia al cargo de Presidente de la República del señor Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, con 105 votos a favor, 11 en contra y 4 abstenciones. pic.twitter.com/s9qn7lJK1o
— Jesús M. Ramos Ríos (@jmramosrios) March 23, 2018
READ MORE: Peru's President Submits Resignation Amid Vote-Buying Scandal
Kuczynski, 79, has decided to resign in light of the heated scandal involving the alleged bribery of lawmakers.
The People's Power opposition party earlier alleged that attempts to bribe lawmakers had been made to prevent the impeachment of Kuchinski during the March 22 vote in the Congress.
