The Peruvian Congress on Thursday approved a motion initiated by opposition lawmakers to start impeachment proceedings against President Pedro Castillo, the third formal attempt to oust the leftist leader since he took office last year.

With 73 votes in favor, 32 against and six abstentions, the congress approved the process and summoned Castillo to respond to accusations of constitutional breaches on December 7.

To oust the president, the votes of 87 of the 130 members of Congress are needed, a number Peru's right-wing opposition parties hope to reach.