After a first indiscretion from the Peruvian Defense Minister, the government finally formalized this Wednesday, December 14, the declaration of a state of emergency throughout Peru, and not just the south. A state of emergency has been declared for 30 days in response to protesters demanding the release of deposed President Pedro Castillo, the dissolution of Congress and the organization of early general elections.
With our correspondent in the region, Eric Samson
“ Acts of violence and vandalism, blocked roads are acts that require a firm and authoritarian response “, specified the Minister of Defense, Luis Alberto Otárola Peñaranda.
In concrete terms, the right of assembly is suspended, as well as freedom of movement and the inviolability of homes. The government is now evaluating the possibility of establishing a curfew.
During the state of emergency, the armed forces will help the police to maintain internal order throughout the country, which has led many to fear an increased crackdown on the demonstrations that have caused the closure of airports in Cuzco, Puno, Arequipa and Apurímac, and that of the trains to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
This show of force contrasts, however, with the attitude of President Dina Boluarte, who keeps giving in to pressure from the streets.
After briefly cherishing the hope of remaining in power until July 2026, she then proposed to organize elections in April 2024 before now talking about December 2023.
According to Ms. Boluarte, it would be impossible to go any faster given the legal deadlines for submitting candidacies and the duration of electoral campaigns. Not sure that this is enough to calm his opponents.
►To re-read: Peru: Pedro Castillo remains in prison, the hearing on his detention postponed to Thursday