Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra has dissolved his nation's opposition-controlled congress amid a bitter feud over his fight to curb corruption.

In a televised address Monday, Vizcarra announced he will convoke new elections after being repeatedly stonewalled by the legislature.

"In the face of the factual denial of the vote of confidence, and with unlimited respect for the constitutional policy of Peru, I have decided to constitutionally dissolve the Congress and call for congressional elections," the president said in a message to the nation.

"This is a constitutional act provided for in Article 134 of the Constitution," said the head of state, who denounced the "political traps and tricks" carried out by the legislative body.

Shortly after his televised statement, Congress voted to suspend Vizcarra for one year on the grounds of "moral incapacity" and nominated Vice President Mercedes Araoz as acting head of state. 

The chamber will meet Friday to consider a motion to dismiss Vizcarra, House Speaker Pedro Olaechea said.

The stunning development came hours after congress pushed forward a controversial vote to select an almost entirely new slate of magistrates to the Constitutional Tribunal over his objection.

Vizcarra had chastised lawmaker for rushing through the vote and warned that he'd move to dissolve congress if they decided to proceed. Under Peruvian law, the president has the right to dissolve congress if lawmakers reject two votes of confidence.