Peruvian leader sacks popular PM | BBC

Peruvian leader sacks popular PM

Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo has asked for the resignation of the country's first woman Prime Minister, Beatriz Merino, and the entire cabinet.

President Toledo had reportedly disagreed with Dr Merino over new appointments after several cabinet posts became vacant in November.

The move comes after days of sustained criticism of the prime minister in local news media.

Dr Merino is visiting the United States and is expected to return on Sunday.

A statement by the president's office said a new cabinet would be sworn in on Dr Merino's return.

The prime minister currently enjoys approval ratings of over 50%, compared with under 20% for President Toledo.

More at the BBC

Politicians Angry Over Firing of Peru's PM Merino

Reuters
Saturday, December 13, 2003; 12:07 PM


By Robin Emmott

LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Opposition politicians on Saturday condemned a decision by Peru's President Alejandro Toledo to fire his popular Prime Minister Beatriz Merino, and called for a cabinet based on consensus, not political favors.

Toledo asked for his cabinet's resignation on Friday, including that of Merino, ahead of a cabinet reshuffle on Monday, seeming unable to head off a clash of personalities between himself and Merino over who to name as ministers.

Merino, a tax lawyer with a reputation for honesty, is seen as key to helping unpopular Toledo reform Peru's weak institutions, improve tax collection and drive economic growth.

Merino wants more capable people in government independent of party affiliation, but Toledo faces pressure from his own Peru Posible party to fill the cabinet with more party members and allies.

"Asking for the prime minister's resignation is laughable," National Unity party lawmaker Jose Barba told reporters.

"It's not right that a woman such as her, who gave her unselfish support, has received such treatment," he added.
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61993-2003Dec13.html

while he's here!

After Toledo was elected (for the second time in 3 months), I had hoped Peru would be past its Fujimori days....