Peru’s president reacts to violent protests — RT World News
Peru’s new president Dina Boluarte has proposed moving the next general election from 2026 to 2024 and declared a state of emergency in areas affected by protests and riots in support of the country’s detained former leader , Pedro Castillo.
A Peruvian president normally serves a five-year term and is not immediately eligible for re-election.
The last election took place in April 2021 and was won by Castillo. However, he was impeached and removed from office on Wednesday. Boluarte, who served as Castillo’s vice-president, was sworn in as his successor the same day.
“I have decided to introduce a bill to reach an agreement with Congress to advance the general election to April 2024,” Boluarte said in a speech Monday.
“The country is going through difficult times. In assuming the presidency, I declared that my government would seek dialogue, understanding and consensus among all and for all,” said Bolarte.
The announcement came after two young protesters died in clashes with police in the southern province of Andahuaylas. Health officials said one victim was 18, while the other was under 15 and died when protesters attempted to storm the local airport.
Castillo was ousted after trying to dissolve Congress in an attempt to thwart a third opposition attempt to impeach him. He has since been detained and charged with rebellion. Supporters of Castillo view Boluarte’s takeover as illegitimate.
Andahuaylas airport was closed on Sunday after suffering “attacks and vandalism”, Peruvian civil aviation agency CORPAC said. The agency reported that the runway had been badly damaged and that some of the airport’s essential facilities had been set on fire.
According to the Peruvian Ombudsman’s Office, 16 civilians and four policemen were injured during the clashes in Andahuaylas. Local media reported that protesters attempted to storm government buildings in the city, but were repelled by police firing tear gas. Protest rallies, clashes and roadblocks were also reported in the capital, Lima, and other parts of the country.
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