Supporters of Peruvian ousted President Martin Vizcarra take cover as they clash with riot police during a protest against the government of interim president Manuel Merino in Lima on November 14, 2020. (ERNESTO BENAVIDES / AFP)

LIMA - The acting head of Peru’s Congress called for the resignation of the country’s interim president after two people were killed during protests against his government.

Lawmakers will meet on Sunday morning to discuss naming a new interim leader to replace Manuel Merino, who assumed the presidency last week following the ouster of Martin Vizcarra over bribery allegations.

Lawmakers will meet on Sunday morning to discuss naming a new interim leader to replace Manuel Merino, who assumed the presidency last week following the ouster of Martin Vizcarra over bribery allegations

Thousands of Peruvians marched to the center of Lima to protest Vizcarra’s impeachment, many calling for Merino to quit.

Luis Valdez, the acting head of Congress, told the Lima-based TV network Canal N that Merino should resign immediately following a fifth day of protests.

The impeachment of Vizcarra came just five months after a general election and plunged the South American nation into turmoil. The Organization of American States has called on the country’s Constitutional Court to decide whether the impeachment was legal.

Thousands of Peruvians marched to the center of Lima to protest Vizcarra’s impeachment, many calling for Merino to quit.

While the demonstrations were largely peaceful, there were violent clashes in streets near Congress as riot police used tear gas to disperse protesters, some of whom responded by hurling rocks. Two men ages 24 and 25 died from gunshot wounds, Canal N reported, citing a statement from the hospital.

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The Ombudsman’s office said Friday the police used excessive force during this week’s demonstrations, including firing buckshots at protesters.

Merino on Saturday called on young people to "be calm" and end ongoing street protests so that his government may address the country's problems.

"The challenge is not only for the cabinet or the Congress but for all Peruvians," Merino told the country's official news agency Andina.

Merino's remarks were aimed at some sectors of the country that have not accepted the removal of former president Martin Vizcarra (2018-2020) from power.

Merino announced that his government is preparing a list of measures to reactivate the economy and build up social programs.

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He added that among other important measures being taken are those that will address the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, where 932,650 cases and 35,106 deaths have been registered to date.

Merino assumed the presidency on Nov 10 after Vizcarra was removed by Congress amid allegations of corruption.