After a week of violet protests taking place throughout the country of Peru, former Speaker of Congress and interim president Manuel Merino steps down. Merino had assumed the role of president due to the impeachment of former President Martín Vizacarra. CBS reports that Merino announced his decision to step down in a short televised address to the country. Merino told the country, “I want to make it known to the whole country that I irrevocably present my resignation for the office of the presidency and I call for peace and unity for all Peruvians. My commitment is with Peru and I will do everything in my power to guarantee a constitutional succession and for Congress to determine in order for Peru to move forward.”

CNN reports that upon news of Vizcarra’s impeachment broke to the press, the people of Peru took to the streets to protest what they felt was parliamentary coup. Protests continued for six straight nights, totaling in 94 injured and leaving at least two people dead by Saturday night. It is being reported that the prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into both deaths. Merino became the country’s third president in the span of five years, following Vizcarra who took over after former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned amid corruption allegations.

Along with Merino, at least eight Cabinet members also submitted formal resignation requests, although Merino said that he would be keeping ministers in place to avoid further turmoil and unrest within the government. Congress reportedly called for a plenary session (also known as a general session) following Sunday’s announcement by Merino in order to discuss who his successor would be. Not only is the country dealing a myriad of constitutional woes, but they are also facing one of the world’s most lethal coronavirus outbreaks as well, according to CBS.