Peru(Commonwealth Union)_ On Monday, anti-government protestors stopped highways and besieged the international airport in Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, as deadly turmoil escalated. Supporters of Marxist former President Pedro Castillo protested his impeachment and incarceration.
In reaction to the demonstrations, his successor and former deputy, Dina Boluarte, suggested moving general elections forward by two years to April 2024. Mr Castillo, on the other hand, branded Ms Boluarte’s preparations a “dirty game”. At least seven people have died in skirmishes with security forces since protests started last Wednesday over Mr Castillo’s impeachment. He was charged with corruption and imprisoned for attempting to dissolve the opposition-controlled Congress only hours before the vote on his impeachment.
Mr Castillo supporters say that Ms Boluarte was not chosen by the voters. They want Peru to have fresh elections, and some want Congress to be shut down and Mr Castillo released. On Monday, protesters blocked roads and set fire to vehicles, and an estimated 2,000 stormed Arequipa’s airport, obstructing the runway and forcing flights to be canceled for many hours. Police used tear gas to disperse them.
Ms Boluarte, Peru’s first female president, announced earlier in the day that she would propose a measure to Congress to conduct elections in April 2024 rather than April 2026. Ms. Boluarte also stated that she will propose constitutional changes to establish “a more efficient, transparent, and participatory system of government”, although she did not elaborate. The change signifies a 180-degree turn. Ms Boluarte, who was inaugurated in as president on Wednesday, stated immediately after taking office that she would complete Mr Castillo’s five-year term.
A judge ruled last week that Mr Castillo be detained in pre-trial custody for seven days while an inquiry into whether he should be charged with rebellion is conducted. How Ms Boluarte handles the demonstrations is considered as a litmus test for her president and her ability to stay in office until April 2024.
Peruvian politics has been plagued by insecurity for years, with the legislature and administration nearly continuously at odds.
