Lima: Hundreds of anti-government demonstrators took to the streets of the Peruvian capital on Saturday, September 20, to protest against organized crime, corruption, and a recent pension reform, AFP reported. A fierce clash was witnessed between the protestors and the Lima Police as the latter fired tear gas to stop them. In response, the local protestors threw stones and sticks at the officers.
According to reports, the protest was called by a youth group called ‘Generation Z’ as part of a broader wave of social unrest against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte’s government. Around 500 people gathered in the city center, amidst heavy police deployment.
France24 quoted a protester as saying, “Today, there is less democracy than before. It’s getting worse… because of fear, because of extortion.” Meanwhile, another protestor said that Congress has lost credibility as it doesn’t have the people’s mandate.
The conflict broke out after protestors attempted to reach the executive and congressional buildings in Lima. According to police, at least three officers were injured in the clashes. Approval ratings for President Boluarte, whose period of office ends in 2026, plummeted amid rising organized crime cases and extortion.
As per a legislature passed this week, young adults will have to join a private pension fund, despite many facing an unstable working environment.
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