Peru's Congress Accepts Vice President's Resignation
Reuters -- 21 November 2000
LIMA - Peru's Congress on Tuesday accepted the resignation of First Vice President Francisco Tudela, meaning an opposition leader will likely take over Peru's presidency until April elections.
After scandal-plagued Alberto Fujimori, holed up in Japan, resigned as president on Monday power normally would be transferred to either one of his two vice-presidents.
But as Second Vice President Ricardo Marquez -- in charge of the country in Fujimori's absence -- stepped down hours after Fujimori's resignation, moderate opposition leader of Congress Valentin Paniagua is now next in line.
Congress must also ratify Marquez's resignation but it is mostly a formality.
Congress on Tuesday voted to accept Tudela's resignation by 103 votes in favor to three votes against and one abstention. Tudela quit in October amid the escalating corruption scandal swirling around Fujimori.
Congress will likely vote later on Tuesday on whether to appoint Paniagua as president.