Peru's opposition-led Congress on Monday was weighing whether to confirm a new Cabinet nominated by Socialist President Pedro Castillo, his first big reshuffle after less than three months in office.
Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez, a moderate leftist, told Congress earlier in the day that she was seeking a new "governability pact," in a speech that lacked significant new proposals.
She said the administration would support private investment and submit a tax reform proposal meant to fund social programs. Peru is the world's No. 2 copper producer, and the mining sector is a key source of tax revenue
Castillo asked Guido Bellido to resign as prime minister on Oct. 6 following a period of political instability. Bellido had threatened to nationalize Peru's gas sector, with the sol currency falling to record lows during his tenure. The sol bounced back following Vasquez's appointment the same day.
Under Peruvian law, Congress must confirm or reject a new Cabinet in the weeks following its nomination. It is still unclear if the voting will take place later on Monday, as it could be pushed back to Tuesday.
The result of the vote also remains unclear. Castillo has strained ties with the Marxist-Leninist Free Peru party that helped him to power, with some lawmakers saying they will vote to reject the new Cabinet.
Vasquez is a former head of Congress, but does not belong to the Free Peru party.
Bellido, a senior Free Peru member, was confirmed in August by Congress in a 73-50 vote.
(Reporting by Marco Aquino and Marcelo Rochabrun; Editing by Peter Cooney)
