On 20 April, in an attempt to curb the wave of tension and violence which was becoming particularly intense in the capital, the National Congress declared that President Lucio Gutiйrrez had left office and that, in accordance with the Constitution &apos; s provisions on presidential succession, the then Vice-President Alfredo Palacio, who is now the constitutional President, would assume the presidency.
On 20 April, in an attempt to curb the wave of tension and violence which was becoming particularly intense in the capital, the National Congress declared that President Lucio Gutiérrez had left office and that, in accordance with the Constitution &apos; s provisions on presidential succession, the then Vice-President Alfredo Palacio, who is now the constitutional President, would assume the presidency.