Pedro Castillo served as the President of Peru from 28 July 2021 until his removal from office on 7 December 2022. A former primary school teacher and labor union activist, he ascended to the presidency following a campaign focused on the rural population, eventually facing three impeachment proceedings during his brief and tumultuous term in office.
Background and Education
Born in 1969 in Puña, Cajamarca, Castillo grew up in a peasant household. He obtained his education at the Octavio Matta Contreras Higher Pedagogical Institute and later earned a master's degree in Educational Psychology from Cesar Vallejo University. Before entering national politics, he worked as a school teacher and administrator at School 10465 in Puña, where he also managed cooking and cleaning duties for his students. During his youth, he served as a member of the rondas campesinas.
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Castillo gained prominence as a leader during a 2017 teachers' strike, which sought salary increases and budget growth for the education sector. He unsuccessfully ran for the mayorship of Anguía in 2002 as a representative of the Possible Peru party. In 2021, he successfully campaigned for the presidency as the candidate for the socialist Free Peru party, emphasizing the hardships faced by rural students and the lack of resources in remote provinces.
Presidential Tenure and Impeachment
Upon inauguration, Castillo faced significant challenges, including a minority position in Congress and a fractured political landscape. He set a Peruvian record by appointing four different cabinets in his first six months. After leaving Free Peru in June 2022 to govern as an independent, he faced persistent opposition that led to three separate impeachment motions. On 7 December 2022, following an attempt to initiate a self-coup, he was impeached by Congress, detained for sedition, and subsequently succeeded by Dina Boluarte.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Puña, Peru
- Positions held: President of Peru (2021-2022)
- Education: Octavio Matta Contreras Higher Pedagogical Institute; Cesar Vallejo University
- Occupations: teacher, politician, labor union leader
- Awards: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Sun of Peru (2021)
- Religion: Catholicism
- Languages: Spanish
Questions readers ask
What was Pedro Castillo's profession before entering politics?
He was a primary school teacher and a principal at School 10465 in the town of Puña.
Why was Pedro Castillo removed from the presidency?
He was removed by Congress on 7 December 2022 after attempting a self-coup, which led to his detention for sedition and high treason.
