Following the removal of Martín Vizcarra, President of Congress Manuel Merino became President of Peru after a controvertial express impeachment due to allegations of "moral incapacity" (a 19th century concept for mental incapacity) considered a covert parliamentary coup by many people. After a week of violent repression of the massive protestsMerino resigned as the country's leader and Sagasti was elected by his fellow Congressmen to succeed Merino as president of Congress on the 16th November. The next day Sagasti succeeded him as acting President of Peru. 