President Boluarte affirmed that Peru is “a fragile democracy” and urged it to be strengthened

First modification: 02/10/2023 – 21:00

“We are living in a fragile democracy (…) I think it is the most fragile in Latin America, but it is in the Peruvians, in us, to strengthen that democracy, our institutions,” the president said at a press conference, accompanied by her cabinet ministerial, in a balance of his first two months in office.

Boluarte, the sixth person to hold office in Peru since March 2018, has faced protests against him since the second day of his term, which began just over two months ago.

In the demonstrations, which take place mainly in the south and in Lima to demand the resignation of the president, the closure of Congress and the call for general elections and a Constituent Assembly, more than 55 people have died in clashes with the forces of security.

The president came to office, in her capacity as vice president, after the decision of Congress to remove former president Pedro Castillo, who on December 7 tried to dissolve Congress and govern by decree.

“In the search for peace, I openly summon all the political leaders of each of the parties, but also leaders of social organizations, workers, everyone in general so that we can meet and put the country’s agenda on the table,” said the Chairwoman.

In December, after the first demonstrations, Boluarte asked Congress to approve a legal reform to bring forward the elections, currently scheduled for 2026.

The request was rejected five times by parliament.

Boluarte has reiterated that he will not resign from his position. If he did, the president of Congress would be obliged to call elections immediately, according to the Constitution.