Police and young anti-government protesters clashed in the Peruvian capital, Lima, over the weekend. A rights group reported that at least 18 protesters were injured during the “Gen Z march,” organized by participants under 30, who were also joined by taxi and bus drivers. An police officer sustained burns, according to officials.
The demonstrators marched towards Congress to voice their frustration over pervasive corruption and escalating insecurity. Some protesters reportedly threw stones and other projectiles, leading the police to respond with tear gas and rubber bullets, as reported by AFP news agency.
The protests initially began on Saturday, September 20th, following the recent passage of a pension reform that mandates young people to contribute to a private pension fund. President Dina Boluarte’s approval ratings have remained low for months, with many citizens calling for her resignation.
“We are marching against corruption, for life, and against the crime that is killing us every day,” stated Adriana Flores, a 28-year-old participant, in comments to AFP.
The Gen Z protesters were supported by transport workers who feel the government is not adequately addressing the issue of extortion. Taxi and bus drivers claim that criminal groups, including the Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua, are forcing them to pay “protection money.” They also allege that the police are neglecting their duty to combat this widespread extortion.
Many carried banners with slogans such as “We demand a life without fear.” Eyewitness accounts suggest that some protesters attempted to breach the security barriers set up by police around Congress.
However, the human rights group CNDDHH has criticized the police’s response, deeming it excessive. “There was no justification for firing large amounts of tear gas, much less for attacking people,” stated Mar Perez, a lawyer with CNDDHH, to AFP.
During their march towards Congress, the protesters chanted “united for the Peru we deserve” and sang the national anthem upon reaching the security barriers.
Public sentiment towards Congress is largely critical, with many accusing the legislative body of failing to represent the interests of the people. One young demonstrator shared with local news site RPP, “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.”
President Boluarte, who assumed office after her predecessor was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress in 2022, controversially doubled her salary in July. This move was widely condemned as “outrageous,” particularly given her consistently low approval ratings. Her current term is set to conclude in July of the following year.