Protests in Peru against President Dina Boloart, successor to ousted President Pedro Castillo, were reactivated on Wednesday (01.04.2023) after a break due to year-end holidays, with roadblocks and demonstrations in various regions.
The government expected last week to resume moves calling for Boulwart’s resignation, shutting down Congress and immediately calling elections, from January 4.
Block the way
“There are ten blockade points, especially in Puno” (the southeast), Prime Minister Alberto Otarola told reporters after the installation of a crisis monitoring and control center in Lima.
In Arequipa (south), the police tried to open the roads, using tear gas to disperse dozens of demonstrators. Stones and burning tires also occurred on roads in the regions of Junin (central) and Puno, Cusco and Apurimac (southeast).
Public buildings and airports woke up in the areas where the protests were announced, guarded by the police and the army, and the latter authorized the intervention after declaring a state of emergency in mid-December.
Pollorat asks to stop the violence
Boulwart of Lima called for an end to the violence, warning that it generates “delay, pain and economic losses”.
“I call for peace, tranquility and unity to promote the country’s development,” he said.
Protesters want elections now
In an attempt to appease the demands, Parliament in December brought forward the election date from 2026 to April 2024. But Milan Knezevic, head of the Lucha Front in the city of Abancay, in Apurimac, confirmed that the protests would continue.
“Nobody will want to talk to her,” he told Radio Ixitusa. “As long as Ms. Dina Poulwart does not resign, this will continue.”
As vice president, Boulwart replaced Castillo, who had unsuccessfully attempted a coup on December 7, 2022. He was removed by Congress and subsequently detained for investigation for rebellion.
After the fall of Castillo, a leftist rural teacher, violent protests erupted in the center and south of the country, where the former ruler has support. The demonstrations left 22 dead and more than 600 injured.
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