Lima, June 25: The entire cabinet of Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo has submitted their formal resignations, the press secretary announced, amid rising social tensions that could threaten his presidency. On the weekend, legislators of Toledo`s own Peru possible movement refused to approve a tax hike to pay striking teachers, a measure that had the unanimous support of the cabinet. The mass resignation, said a brief statement from Solari, left the president with a free hand to replace all or part of the cabinet.
It said Solari gave Toledo the letter of mass resignation on late Monday, "carrying the formality of placing at the president`s disposal the portfolios of all the ministers of state."
Toledo was said to be holding consultations late yesterday in search of a new cabinet to deal with the political and social crises that have dogged his government since he was sworn in nearly two years ago.
He was expected to name a new cabinet chief by today, because he is due in Rionegro, Colombia, tomorrow and Friday for a summit of the community of Andean nations. Bureau Report