PERU: On Thursday afternoon, thousands of protesters came to the heart of Peru’s capital, demanding President Dina Boluarte’s resignation. The police tried to control the chaotic situation by using tear gas.
The cause of the fire in Lima’s historic centre and public square near San Martin Plaza is unknown.
Approximately 53 people lost their lives in the encounters between the protesters and the police. The police estimated the march to be composed of nearly 3500 people. In contrast, others estimated that more than double that number of protesters joined the protest.
President Pedro Castillo was removed from office and arrested in December after he tried to get rid of Congress. This led to the current protests, which are fueled by anger over the number of people being killed in a politically unstable country that pays no attention to the poor.
The government’s failure to bring about efficient changes, including curbing inequality and rising prices, especially in rural areas, made many protesters move to Lima to express their concerns.
Most of the demands of the protesters happen to be:
- President Boluarte’s resignation.
- Alteration in the deeply ineffectual government.
- Fabrication of a constitutional assembly.
Some of the protesters carried pictures of those who were killed in the last few weeks. Some people were seen carrying empty coffins, which led to deadly fights in the southern cities of Ayacucho and Juliaca.
Prime Minister Alberto Otarola and President Boluarte said on Thursday, “this has been a sabotage of the rule of law.” He also mentions that airports, including one in the southern city of Juliaca, have been attacked.
“All the rigour of the law will fall on those who have acted with vandalism,” Boluarte says.
The police have done a lot to get ready, like keeping a closer eye on the roads, which could help stop the terrible situation.
The protesters have called President Boluarte a “murderer,” while she asks the public for “forgiveness” for the number of deaths.
Protesters have stood their ground in the protest and have been extremely resolute in their intent. They intend to remain on the streets of Lima until Boluarte is deposed.
Also Read: Peru Cabinet Reshuffle: President Boluarte is Set to Replace the Prime Minister
