Breaking: Peru’s president, Merino resigns after 6 days in office

Peru’s President, Manuel Merino has resigned six days after taking office, following a weekend of deadly protests against his government.

Merino’s resignation is coming amidst cyber protests and massive deadly street protests.

The protests were mostly non-violent until they were met with violent police repression that saw several protestors dead and others severely injured in Lima.

The president and at least 12 members of his cabinet resigned.

“I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning,” Merino said in a televised address.

Merino, 59, resigned shortly after a crisis session of Congress called on him to quit power before 6:00 pm (2300 GMT) or face censure.

Congress’ ultimatum came after the health ministry said two protesters were killed on Saturday.

Congress is expected to appoint a new president – the South American country’s third in a week – in a new session called for 6:00 pm.

The resignation was greeted by noisy celebrations in Lima, with demonstrators taking to the streets sounding horns and banging pots.