Peru's Castillo braces for impeachment vote as protests brew

A demonstrator holds a sign reading: "Castillo thief" during a protest against President Pedro Castillo near the congressional building, in Lima, Peru, December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda

LIMA (Reuters) - Hundreds of protesters supporting and opposing Peruvian President Pedro Castillo congregated around Congress in capital Lima ahead of a vote on Tuesday on whether to impeach the under-fire leftist president.

Peruvian lawmakers will vote on whether to begin impeachment proceeding for "moral incapacity," though the chances appear slim of ousting Castillo, who has been battling crises as his popularity wanes months into his administration.