Peru’s capital, Lima, was rocked for a second straight day on Sunday as hundreds of demonstrators poured into the streets to denounce President Dina Boluarte’s government, following violent clashes that left at least 18 people injured, including police officers and journalists.
The protests, led largely by the youth-driven “Generation Z” collective, marched toward the presidential palace in downtown Lima, where heavily armed police stood guard. As night fell, tensions escalated: protesters hurled stones and Molotov cocktails, while security forces fired volleys of tear gas in response.
Mounting Anger Over Corruption and Reforms
Unrest has been simmering for months, stoked by rising crime and widespread perceptions of corruption within both the government and the conservative-dominated Congress.
Outrage deepened last week after lawmakers approved a controversial law obliging young workers to join private pension funds—despite widespread job insecurity among Peru’s youth.
A Violent Weekend
Saturday’s clashes near Peru’s presidential and parliamentary buildings were among the most violent this year. According to police, around 450 protesters took part, damaging public infrastructure.
At least 18 people were hurt, including 12 police officers—one of whom suffered serious injuries, while another was treated for multiple contusions and remains under hospital observation.
Journalists also came under fire. The National Association of Journalists of Peru (ANP) reported that six media workers were struck by pellets allegedly fired by police, including reporters from Exitosa Noticias radio.
Photojournalist César Zamalloa, from the weekly Hildebrandt en Sus Trece, recounted being hit in the leg and hip: “The police began firing pellets directly at people’s bodies,” he told the ANP.
Both the ANP and the National Human Rights Coordinator condemned what they described as excessive force by security forces.
Deep Crisis of Confidence
The unrest reflects growing disillusionment with Peru’s political establishment. A new poll published Sunday by El Comercio found that nearly 80% of Peruvians say they are ashamed of the government, while 85% express the same sentiment toward Congress.
With Boluarte’s term set to run until July 2026, analysts warn that public anger could fuel further instability in a country already mired in political crises over the past two decades.
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