‘Throw them all out!’: Peru protesters demand new elections amid crisis

A demonstrators holds a sign that reads in Spanish “Let them all go, Rotten Congress,” during a protest against the country’s political class, a day after the resignation of Peru’s President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, in Lima, Peru on Thursday, March 22, 2018. Peru’s congress is gearing up to consider whether or not to accept Kuczynski’s resignation following the release of several videos appearing to show allies offering state contracts in exchange for votes against his pending impeachment. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

LIMA, Peru — Several thousand protesters gathered in Peru’s capital said they are outraged not just at Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski but all of congress, which is debating whether to accept the embattled leader’s offer to resign amid allegations of wrongdoing.

The demonstrators are chanting, “Throw them all out!” and demanding new elections. Some held up signs featuring photocopies of recent headlines like “Leaders of crime.”

Local polls showed about half of Peruvians want to see early elections for both congress and the president, as faith in the nation’s leaders continues to deteriorate.

Two former presidents stand accused of accepting bribes from Odebrecht, the Brazilian construction giant at the center of Latin America’s biggest corruption scandal. A third is under investigation.

Congress is debating whether to accept Kuczynski’s resignation offer following revelations of his own links to Odebrecht. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the matter on Friday.

Kuczynski has denied any wrongdoing.                                    /kga