Thousands march in Peru to demand resignation of President Castillo

Thousands of people have taken to the streets across Peru to demand the resignation of President Pedro Castillo, the left-wing government under investigation for corruption.

Carrying the Andean country’s red, white and red flag with vertical stripes and signs with anti-government slogans, protesters marched toward the opposition-controlled parliament in the capital Lima on Saturday.

Castillo calls those who oppose his government “reactionaries” and “enemies of the people.”

Police with helmets and plastic shields fired several rounds of tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Castillo, who took office last July, has already survived two impeachment attempts. Opposition lawmakers are calling for a new trial against the president, even though they recognize that parliament will not be able to gather enough votes.

Conservative lawyer Lucas Guerci, one of the organizers of the march called Peru React, said, “Congress doesn’t react when it sees the government engaging in corruption.”

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Constitutional Complaint Filed Against Castillo, Peru

“Another Venezuela”

In October, Peru’s attorney general filed a constitutional complaint against Castillo with Congress, with right-wing opposition wanting Castillo removed from office.

Discontent is growing in Peru.

María del Pilar Blancas said: “I am here for my children, my grandchildren, because this government is going to hell.

“They want us to be another Venezuela,” she said, referring to the South American neighbor whose economy has plummeted.

Similar protests took place in other cities across the country, including Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco and Trujillo, according to reports and images broadcast by local TV stations. Canal N.

read more: President Castillo under investigation

Source: Reuters