Peru’s interim president has resigned, a day after two people died during protests against his government.
Manuel Merino, former speaker of Congress, had been in the post less than a week.
Merino replaced President Martin Vizcarra, who last Monday was removed in an impeachment procedure over bribery allegations, which he denied.
Politicians had called for Merino’s resignation after a violent crackdown on demonstrations against him.
Twelve ministers from his recently appointed cabinet resigned earlier on Sunday, in protest against police brutality and his handling of the crisis.
Congress failed to agree on a replacement for Merino when it met on Sunday, rejecting a team led by Rocio Silva Santisteban, a writer and former human rights activist.
A new list, made up of an interim president and senior politicians from across the spectrum, was being drafted.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators – many of them young – have been taking part in protests against Vizcarra’s removal in recent days. They accuse Congress of staging a parliamentary coup. Vizcarra, 57, has enjoyed continued support among many voters for his attempts at reform.
Protests in Lima had been peaceful until clashes broke out between police and protesters.
Merino resigned during a televised address.
“I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning,” said Merino.
