Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who took office as the President of Peru in July 2016, found himself embroiled in a significant political crisis that culminated in his resignation in March 2018. His presidency was marked by a series of corruption scandals, particularly related to the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, which had reportedly bribed various officials across the continent. As allegations against Kuczynski intensified, the opposition leveraged their majority in Congress to initiate an impeachment process. The main accusation revolved around Kuczynski's alleged failure to disclose payments received from Odebrecht while serving as a minister in the past.

In a dramatic turn of events, Kuczynski chose to resign just days before the scheduled impeachment vote. He delivered a heartfelt address to the nation via television, expressing his concerns for the country and its political stability. His resignation transitioned power to Vice President Mercedes Aráoz for the interim until a new president was appointed. The political landscape in Peru remained turbulent, with ongoing investigations into numerous officials' ties to Odebrecht. Kuczynski's departure was seen as both a personal retreat and a reflection of broader institutional issues within the Peruvian political framework.

The repercussions of Kuczynski's resignation extended beyond his own presidency, further complicating the political environment in Peru. It sparked debates about corruption in Latin America at large, especially as the Odebrecht scandal continued to unfold and implicate other prominent figures. Kuczynski's brief presidency and sudden fall highlighted the pervasive corruption endemic in Peruvian politics and raised questions about the effectiveness of democratic governance in the region. Political instability persisted as new administrations grappled with the legacies of their predecessors, reflecting ongoing challenges in addressing systemic corruption.