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Peru’s Boluarte Refuses to Bow to Popular Demands, Calls for ‘National Truce’ Instead

© AP Photo / Martin MejiaPeru's President Dina Boluarte speaks during a news conference at government palace in Lima, Peru
Peru's President Dina Boluarte speaks during a news conference at government palace in Lima, Peru - Sputnik International, 1920, 25.01.2023
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The embattled and highly-controversial leader took pains to cast herself as a reasonable actor in Peru’s ongoing unrest but wouldn’t meet demonstrators’ number one demand: her resignation.
The head of the new Peruvian regime, which has overseen the deaths of over 60 people in its first six weeks, is now calling on the country’s population to observe a “national truce.”
Urging “dialogue, peace and unity,” a defiant Dina Boluarte refused to step down but also called on Congress to confirm the date of the nation’s next elections. The move is seen as an effort to mollify protesters, who are also calling for Boluarte’s resignation, as well as the liberation of ousted President Pedro Castillo, who’s been jailed on allegations of ‘rebellion’ since December 7.
“I am making a call to Congress to vote on a second date (for the elections) as soon as possible,” Boluarte stated in a Tuesday conference. As for a “definite date” for when the elections may be held, the controversial leader stated she “will leave the moment that you, congressmen.”
“I have no intention of remaining as president beyond what has been set in the early election advancement,” Boluarte insisted.
Despite her apparent peace overture, Boluarte continued to blame demonstrators for the violence in the streets, claiming the unrest is the handiwork of a “paramilitary force” comprised of illegal miners, drug traffickers and smugglers.
She even went as far as to claim – without evidence – that the 60-plus victims who’ve been gunned down so far were actually killed by protesters themselves. As for the dozens of police hospitalized with bruises, she asked: “What about their human rights?”
The heavy-handed approach seems to have little support among Peruvian society.
Police in riot gear move to confront anti-government protesters during a march against President Dina Boluarte, in Lima, Peru, Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. Protesters are seeking immediate elections, Boluarte's resignation, the release of ousted President Pedro Castillo and justice for the protesters killed in clashes with police. - Sputnik International, 1920, 24.01.2023
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Nearly three-quarters of the country’s residents disapprove of Boluarte’s handling of the country, according to a poll conducted earlier this month.
And it seems the repressive response to protests isn’t winning her many allies outside the country, either.
Speaking before the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Chilean President Gabriel Boric said the images emanating from Peru evoked “scenes from the times of dictatorships.” Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador additionally demanded an “end to the repression.”
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