Peruvian President Pedro Castillo imposed a curfew in the capital, Lima, on Tuesday (5), in an attempt to contain protests against rising fuel and fertilizer costs that have spread across the country.
“The cabinet has agreed to declare a ban on the mobility of citizens from 2:00 am to 11:59 pm on Tuesday, April 5, to protect the fundamental rights of all people,” Castillo said in a speech broadcast across the country on Monday night. thursday (4).
A wave of protests against rising fuel and fertilizer prices, sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, continued for a second week as the government struggles to lower prices.
The protests represent a stark reality for the embattled presidency of leftist Pedro Castillo, a peasant and teacher who won elections last year with overwhelming support from the poorest rural population.
But their support has rapidly declined, even in rural regions, and hovers around 25% nationwide. In his eight months in office, Castillo survived two impeachment attempts and changed numerous cabinet members.
Protests are increasingly violent and at least four people have been killed, the government said. On Monday, protesters burned tolls and clashed with police near the southern city of Ica.
“This strike is not just happening here, it is happening all over Peru,” said a protester in Ica.
The turmoil erupted last week when farmers and truckers blocked some of the main highways to Lima, leading to a sudden spike in food prices.
The government responded over the weekend with a proposal to waive most fuel taxes in an attempt to lower prices, as well as raise the minimum wage by around 10%.
Peru also issued an emergency declaration for its agricultural sector due to rising fertilizer prices triggered by Western sanctions on Russia, a major exporter of potash, ammonia, urea and other soil nutrients.
Like many countries, Peru was already struggling with high inflation before the war. In March, inflation hit a 26-year high, largely driven by rising fuel and food prices.
Source: CNN Brasil
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