Protesters Block Roads, Airports In Anger At New President In Peru

Anti-government protesters blocked roads and stormed the international airport in Arequipa, Peru as deadly unrest intensified on Monday.

Supporters of Leftist former president Pedro Castillo took to the streets in anger at his impeachment and arrest.

At least seven people have now died in clashes with the security forces since protests erupted over the impeachment of Mr Castillo last Wednesday.

Supporters of Mr Castillo are demanding that Peru hold new elections, with some also calling for congress to be shut down and Mr Castillo released.

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Police finally dispersed them with tear gas. In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, Ms Boluarte – the first woman to lead Peru – said she would submit a bill to congress to hold elections in April 2024, instead of April 2026.

Ms Boluarte said she would also propose constitutional reforms to achieve “a more efficient, transparent and participatory system of government”, but did not go into detail about those reforms.

We reported that Peru has a female president for the first time, after ex-president Pedro Castillo was impeached – hours after he tried to dissolve parliament.

Dina Boluarte – previously the vice-president – was sworn in after a dramatic day in Lima on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Mr Castillo had said he was replacing congress with an “exceptional emergency government”.