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2024.04.04 07:18 GMT+8

Peru president's cabinet wins confidence vote amid 'Rolexgate' scandal

Updated 2024.04.04 10:48 GMT+8
CGTN

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen speaking to the press after being sworn in at the Palace of Government in Lima, Peru, March 6, 2024. /CFP

Lawmakers in Peru voted to support the government's new slate of ministers on Wednesday, just hours after the prime minister promised billions of dollars in new spending.

The vote, which lawmakers passed with 70 in favor, versus 36 against and 17 abstaining, gives the green light for Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen to move forward in his post, which he took up last month. 

Earlier in the day, Adrianzen offered the spending plan in a speech to Congress, which included $4.6 billion for mining and some $8 billion for public-private partnerships.

In a speech that lasted nearly two hours, Adrianzen also proposed "an administration with clean hands, a transparent government to face corruption and inefficiency" as he listed economic growth, public order and action against drug trafficking among his government's priorities.

Adrianzen expressed "humility" and gratitude for the support after the vote, and urged lawmakers to join the government in its plans for economic revitalization and "citizen security." 

Wednesday's vote came as 61-year-old Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is being investigated for suspected illegal enrichment and failing to declare her luxury timepieces – a scandal dubbed "Rolexgate" by the media.

All of her ministers would have been forced to resign if the cabinet failed to win congressional backing.

(With input from agencies)

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