(Lima) Peruvian President Dina Boluarte called for dialogue on Thursday to put an end to the demonstrations that are shaking several regions of the country, where protesters are demanding her resignation.
“We extend our hands and our hearts” to the demonstrators, said Mme Boluarte at a press conference in Lima, inviting disgruntled citizens to meet the government to find a way out of the crisis.
The protest movements have indeed resumed Wednesday in 26 provinces in Peru after a truce during the end of year celebrations. The protesters demand the resignation of Dina Boluarte, the dissolution of Parliament and the immediate holding of elections, already brought forward from 2026 to April 2024.
PHOTO CRIS BOURONCLE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte
Clashes between police and protesters have taken place and many roads are blocked in several cities.
The main centers of demonstrations are in the south of the country, explained the Minister of the Interior, Victor Rojas.
“We remain tolerant and continue to respect everyone’s right to protest,” he added.
Dina Boluarte, former vice-president, replaced on December 7 Pedro Castillo, deposed and accused of rebellion after having tried to dissolve Parliament.
More than 600 people have been injured and 22 killed since the start of the demonstrations, which were particularly violent in the center and south of the country, where Mr. Castillo has many supporters.