Category: Latin America

Explainer: Protests in Peru – What Sparked the Outrage?

Peru is currently experiencing widespread political unrest following the ousting of former president Pedro Castillo and the subsequent swearing in of Vice President Dina Boluarte. Protests have erupted across the country, with protesters demanding Boluarte’s resignation and early elections. The events have been driven by the anger and frustration of Peruvians who feel neglected by their political institutions and are united in their rejection of the widely unpopular congress. The situation in Peru highlights the country’s broken political system and the growing divide between the powerful capital, Lima, and the rest of the country.

Democracy and its discontents

It was the date of certification of the votes by the 116th congress, an annual routine procedure to formally certify the victors of the presidential election held in November the year before. It was...