President of Congress Manuel Merino was criticized by critics regarding how he hastily pushed for impeachment proceedings against Vizcarra.[41] If Vizcarra were to be removed from office, Merino would assume the presidential office given his position in congress and due to the absence of vice presidents for Vizcarra.[lower-alpha 1][41] On 12 September 2020, renowned reporter Gustavo Gorriti wrote that Merino had contacted the Commanding General of the Peruvian Navy, Fernando Cerdán, notifying him that he was going to attempt to impeach Vizcarra and was hoping to assume the presidency.[48] Minister of Defense Jorge Chávez confirmed that Merino had tried to establish support with the Peruvian military.[48] A second report was later released that Merino had contacted officials throughout Peru's government while preparing to create a transitional cabinet.[41][49] Following the release of these reports, support for impeaching Vizcarra decreased among members of congress,[41] with congress voting not to remove Vizcarra from the presidency.[50][51]