In Peru, President Dina Boluarte says she won’t resign amid protests
Peru’s first female president, Dina Boluarte, says she would not step down in the face of mass protests over the impeachment of the country’s former head of state.
Boluarte said on Saturday nothing would “be solved by my resignation.”
“We will be here, firmly, until Congress determines to bring forward the elections.”
The South American nation has been embroiled in violent protests since December 7, when then President Pedro Castillo was impeached and arrested, having attempted to dissolve Congress. Protesters are calling for Castillo's release, the resignation of Boluarte and closure of Congress, and immediate general elections.
At least 18 people, including minors, have been killed so far.
Boluarte said she regretted the deadly circumstances, where clashes between protesters and security forces took some lives. She said armed troops were on the streets. “Take care of and protect” Peru's citizens, she said, because the protests were “overflowing” with violent elements – and it was not spontaneous.
“These groups did not emerge overnight. They had tactically organized to block roads.” She made the remarks a day after lawmakers voted down a bill to hold early elections next December.
At least two of her allies — the culture and education ministers — have resigned in protest against police violence.
Boluarte became president almost by accident only hours after Castillo was impeached by Congress. As the vice president and Castillo's running mate, Boluarte was next in line to take office.
Peru has had five presidents since 2016, including Castillo, who was elected to serve from 2021 to 2026.
Castillo had gone through two unsuccessful impeachment proceedings and was facing investigations for alleged involvement in the activities of a “criminal organization,” but he had denied the allegations, saying “economic interest groups” were looking to oust him.
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