Background on Dina Boluarte and the Current Situation
Dina Boluarte, the current President of Peru, has been facing increasing social unrest due to her government’s recent regulation of a controversial law. This law mandates that young individuals contribute to private pension funds, despite high levels of precarious employment and informal work exceeding 70% in the country.
The Controversial Law and Its Impact
On September 5, Boluarte’s government regulated the aforementioned law, which has further fueled public discontent. Critics argue that the legislation is insensitive to the widespread labor precarity and high informal employment rate, making it difficult for young people to afford these private pension funds.
Protests and Police Response
Massive Demonstrations: On Saturday, hundreds of people marched in central Lima towards government buildings amidst heavy police presence.
- Youth-led Violence: Groups of young protesters hurled rocks, incendiary devices, and fireworks at law enforcement officers.
- Police Countermeasures: In response, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
According to AFP reporters, a policeman suffered first-degree burns from a molotov cocktail during the march. The Peruvian National Police confirmed this on social media, along with images of the clashes.
Casualties Reported: The Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CNDDHH) reported 18 injuries, including a journalist.
“We call on the police to respect the right to protest; there was no justification for them to use a large amount of tear gas or physically assault people,” Mar Pérez, a lawyer from CNDDHH, told AFP.
Upcoming Protests
New Demonstration: Another protest is scheduled for Sunday in central Lima, organized by transport workers and the Generation Z collective. The protest aims to denounce “corruption,” “extortion,” and “violence.”
“The people rise up! We are fed up!” reads the social media call to action.
Contextual Factors Contributing to Unrest
Boluarte’s unpopularity has reached record levels as she nears the end of her mandate, which concludes on July 28, 2026. The Congress, dominated by conservative factions, also lacks public acceptance due to perceptions of corruption.
In addition, social unrest has escalated in Peru over the past six months due to a surge in extortion and violence perpetrated by organized crime.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Dina Boluarte? Dina Boluarte is the current President of Peru, who has faced rising social unrest due to her government’s regulation of a contentious law.
- What is the controversial law? The law mandates that young individuals contribute to private pension funds, despite high levels of precarious employment and informal work.
- Why are people protesting? Protesters argue that the law is insensitive to labor precarity and high informal employment rates, making it difficult for young people to afford private pension funds.
- What has been the police response? Police have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters, resulting in injuries on both sides.
- What are the broader factors contributing to unrest? Boluarte’s low popularity, a corrupt Congress, and escalating crime-related violence have all contributed to the growing social unrest in Peru.
