Turmoil as Peru leader sets 2nd Cabinet overhaul this week

By FRANKLIN BRICEÑO and REGINA GARCIA CANO
Associated Press

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Turmoil in Peru’s government is boiling even more as President Pedro Castillo plans a fourth Cabinet shakeup in six months. His announcement Friday comes just three days after the third overhaul of his ministers that was quickly followed by news his latest prime minister once faced domestic violence claims. Castillo’s struggles have only added to earlier doubts about the political neophyte’s ability to lead a nation. He was a rural schoolteacher when he surprised everyone by winning last year’s presidential election. Critics immediately warned about his nonexistent political experience. Some of his decisions have validated the criticism. Yet his problems also spotlight Peru’s long-dysfunctional political system in which no party holds a majority and it is difficult to act.