Over the weekend, security officers clashed with large groups of young demonstrators in Lima as anti-government protests spread through the capital.
According to human rights monitors, at least 18 civilians sustained injuries during the Saturday and Sunday rallies known as the “Gen Z march.” Officials confirmed that one officer was hurt after suffering burns.
The crowds, largely made up of young people under 30, were joined by bus and taxi operators. Together, they advanced towards Congress, voicing outrage over persistent corruption scandals and rising insecurity.
Some protesters hurled rocks and other objects at the police, who responded with rubber bullets and volleys of tear gas.
The unrest began on Saturday, 20 September, after lawmakers approved a pension reform earlier this month that obliges younger workers to contribute to private pension funds.
Public discontent has been growing for months, with President Dina Boluarte’s approval rating stuck in single digits. Many citizens are openly calling for her resignation.
“We are marching against corruption, for life, and against the crime that is killing us every day,” 28-year-old Adriana Flores said.
Alongside the youth, transport workers joined the march, accusing the government of failing to confront extortion.
Drivers claim that gangs, including the Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua, force them to pay “protection money.”
They also say that law enforcement routinely ignores these threats.
Some participants displayed placards declaring “We demand a life without fear.”
Several protesters attempted to push through the barricades surrounding Congress.
The national human rights watchdog criticized the security forces, accusing them of going too far in their response.
“There was no justification for firing large amounts of tear gas, much less for attacking people,” CNDDHH lawyer Mar Perez said.
As they marched towards Congress, demonstrators shouted “united for the Peru we deserve.”
On reaching the barriers, they broke into the national anthem.
Discontent is also aimed at lawmakers, with many citizens believing that Congress no longer reflects the will of the people.
“These people [members of Congress] raise their own salaries, they kill us like flies and don’t care about anything. We need a total change, we’re sick of this situation,” one young woman said.
Boluarte, who assumed the presidency after her predecessor was removed in 2022 for trying to dissolve Congress, faced further backlash in July when she doubled her salary despite her historically low popularity.
Her administration is scheduled to conclude in July next year.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Comments are closed.