Peru Politics: President threatens to dissolve Congress over anti-graft reforms

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Europe

01:53

Peru's president is waging a high-stakes political gamble. Martin Vizcarra is forcing a show-down with lawmakers over corruption, threatening to dissolve Congress if anti-graft reforms aren't passed. CGTN's Dan Collyns explains.

DAN COLLYNS LIMA "President Martin Vizcarra invoked the constitution in a television address to the nation. He referenced a measure which would authorize him to call new legislative elections unless his anti-graft proposals are passed."

Vizcarra has made anti-corruption the centerpiece of his government, and he accused lawmakers of trying to defy it.

MARTIN VIZCARRA PERUVIAN PRESIDENT "This congressional majority is harming all Peruvians, the few who want to continue betraying the citizens, favoring the privileges and corruption at the cost of all our future. We will not allow that once again these little tricks hold back the reforms which the country needs."

Vizcarra's stance follows a long line of corruption scandals with four former presidents and the leader of the opposition implicated in a massive bribery case involving the Brazilian construction Odebrecht. The president is counting on the support of Peruvians who voted to back his reforms in a referendum at the end of last year.

DAN COLLYNS LIMA "They voted to clean up campaign financing and end parliamentary immunity from prosecution. If Congress gives a vote of no-confidence and Vizcarra dissolves the chamber, new parliamentary elections could be held as early as this year. Dan Collyns, CGTN, Lima."