Categories: Global

Civilians and Police Clash in Peru Over Inflation, President Castillo Imposes Curfew in Lima

Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has imposed a curfew in the capital, Lima, and the port city of Callao following nationwide protests over rising fuel and fertiliser prices.

On Sunday, the government announced it would temporarily scrap the fuel tax in an attempt to stabilise petrol prices.

But lorry drivers and farmers blocked roads in much of the country again on Monday.

The government says four people have died in the protests.

President Castillo announced the curfew after a meeting with his Council of Ministers.

He also declared a state of emergency for Lima and Callao, suspending some rights such as freedom of assembly and the right to circulate freely.

“I call for calm and serenity. Social protest is a constitutional right, but it must be done within the law,” President Castillo said in a TV address.

The curfew – which will affect some 10 million people – has been widely criticised as “authoritarian” by critics of the president.

The prices of fertilisers and fuel have shot up in Peru since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Lorry drivers started to block major roads last week, which in turn triggered a rise in food prices.

Some of the protests turned violent on Monday, with protesters burning toll booths.

The protests come at a time when Peru is already suffering from high inflation and the president’s popularity is low.

The left-wing leader has been in power since July after winning by a slim majority. Opinion polls suggest his approval rating has since dropped to about 25%.

In his short term in office, he has renewed his cabinet on a number of occasions, replacing key ministers, and survived two impeachment attempts.

Impeachment proceedings are relatively common in Peru, where the legislative and the executive are often at loggerheads.

BBC

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Trump Considers Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, Role Of Chairman Of Federal Reserve

Trump is considering Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, with a future possibility of him becoming…

7 mins ago

Hyundai Recalls 145,235 Electrified Vehicles In The US Due To Power Loss Issue

Hyundai has recalled 145,235 electrified vehicles in the US. due to potential loss of drive…

10 mins ago

‘We’re Going to Begin to License Actors’, Says AGN President in A Bid For Standardisation

AGN president Rollas has stressed the need for actor licensing to ensure fair compensation and…

10 mins ago

EU Closes Antitrust Investigation Into Apple’s App Store Rules After Complaint Withdrawal

EU regulators has closed a four-year investigation into Apple's App Store rules after the complainant…

20 mins ago

IPOB Denounces Simon Ekpa As A ‘Destructive Agent’, Clarifies He Was Never A Member Of The Group

IPOB distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, calling him a “destructive agent” who infiltrated and destabilised…

2 hours ago

Biden Calls ICC’s Arrest Warrants For Netanyahu, Gallant ‘Outrageous’

Biden has condemned ICC's arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, calling them "outrageous" amid global…

2 hours ago