Peru: new president appoints fellow Marxist as prime minister

Appointment of Guido Bellido ends hopes of a moderate government and is likely to spook jittery investors

A day after being sworn in as Peru's president, Pedro Castillo has appointed a far-left lawmaker and member of his Marxist party, Guido Bellido, as prime minister, ending expectations of a moderate government.

Beginning nearly three hours late, Castillo swore in an incomplete cabinet on Thursday night that included several figures from the far left and only two women. He did not appoint a finance minister, and Pedro Francke, the favourite for the post, was seen leaving the venue minutes before the ceremony began.