Amid the unrest that has been going on for days, the government in Peru has declared a nationwide state of emergency. This is valid for 30 days, as Defense Minister Luis Alberto Otárola told reporters in the Presidential Palace in Lima. The police will maintain internal order with the support of the armed forces. The government is giving a “strong and emphatic” response to acts of violence, vandalism and road blockades.
Otárola said the state of emergency gives the military additional powers to work with the police to protect strategic infrastructure, private property and the security of all Peruvians. The right of assembly and freedom of movement are suspended. The government has not yet decided whether there will be a curfew.
At least seven people have now died during the riots. According to the Interior Ministry, the protests have also resulted in almost 140 injured police officers. Demonstrators have also attempted to shut down a pumping station near the Camisea field. Half of the country’s electricity is generated from the natural gas supplied from there. The protesters also tried to seize airports, so four of them had to be closed. The economic damage from the protests, which have been going on for a week, is growing as blocked highways severely restrict the country’s exports.
The protests are directed against the ousting of President Pedro Castillo. By dissolving the congress, the left-wing politician wanted to forestall a vote of no confidence in parliament. Both his cabinet and the opposition accused him of a coup d’etat, which is why the former village school teacher was removed from office and arrested in the middle of last week. The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of his successor, Dina Boluarte, early elections and the release of former President Castillo.
As a concession to protesters, Boluarte has pledged to hold new elections as early as December 2023, rather than completing her 2026 term. Congress is expected to consider the proposal for new elections on Thursday.