Peruvian People Protest Publicly

Protestors gathering in Peru demanding the dissolution of Congress and newest president’s resignation [Reuters]

Author: May Johnson and Parker Han

Background

For weeks Peru has been rocked by protests by the people. Now thousands largely from the poorest and most indigenous communities have gathered and marched to the capital to demand the current President, Dina Boluarte, resign. The pressure has mounted as violence escalated. Deadly clashes and torched buildings have resulted in Lima most recently and show no signs of abating as protesters blame the state security forces for killing their comrades. The protests started December  7th when President Pedro Castillo made an illegal power grab after Congressional lawmakers ousted him. Castillo ended up being arrested and charged with rebellion. President Boluarte, who was Castillo’s Vice President, took over as the Head of State at this time.

Currently

Initially protest marches started peacefully. Then, the national labor confederation which represents all the union workers in the public sector, manufacturing industries, and construction businesses, called for a national strike that has now been supported by people from the Andean communities, leftist politicians, and student activists. Over the past month, the protests have grown increasingly dangerous, in part because President Castillo came from the highlands where many communities support him strongly. Reeling from the economic malaise due to the pandemic and general mistrust of political and economic elites, the Andean communities and other protesters have harbored frustration about weak economic growth, lack of the tourism that they heavily rely on, and long term anger against government officials who they accuse of corruption, highlighted by the numerous publicly exposed scandals.

US Viewpoint

While corruption and political upheaval is nothing new in Latin America, the death toll from those willing to continue to protest despite continued escalating violence may continue despite the nationwide state of emergency and President Boluarte’s promise to hold early elections. The United States has continued to support President Boluarte, releasing statements through the State Department rejecting attempts to undermine the “rule of law” and democracy.