In a speech delivered on Monday, Peruvian president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski called for dialogue after more than 30 people were injured in nationwide protests over proposed cuts to social security. The president said that the government was listening to the protesters, but that some proposals needed to be made in order to find a solution. The protests started last week after Peruvian lawmakers proposed cutting benefits for retirees, including raising the retirement age and reducing pension contributions. The protests have continued even after Kuczynski met with representatives from the protesting groups. “We are not going to impose anything on anyone,” Kuczynski said in his speech. “Dialogue is essential and we are willing to listen to all of you who want it. But dialogue cannot be based on lies or half-truths about what we are proposing and what our intentions are.” This latest development comes as Peru faces mounting economic problems. The country has been in recession for more than a year and is expected to post another year of negative growth this year. Rising inflation and anemic job growth have contributed to the protests.
Protests continue nationwide in Peru
Protests continue nationwide in Peru following the death of a protestor last week. Demonstrators are calling for President Ollanta Humala to step down and for reform of the education system. Humala has called for dialogue with protestors, but they have refused to negotiations until he leaves office.
The protests began after high school student Edwin Rios was killed by police during a demonstration on September 27th. Since then, demonstrations have taken place daily in cities across Peru, with estimates that over 1,000 people have been injured. Humala has asked the military to help quell the unrest, but so far they have not intervened.
Peruvian citizens are protesting against high levels of inequality and corruption as well as what they see as a lack of opportunity for young people. The president has promised to address some of these issues during his term, but demonstrators are not satisfied and continue to call for his resignation.
Peru President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski calls for dialogue
After more than injured in nationwide protests, Peru’s president calls for dialogue. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said in a televised speech that he wants to open a dialogue with all of the political factions to find a solution to the country’s many problems. The protests began over proposed cuts to public spending, but have since taken on a wider anti-government sentiment.
More than 30 people injured during protests
In Peru, protesters continue to clash with police forces. More than 30 people have been injured in the protests, including two who were shot with rubber bullets. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has called for dialogue after the violence, but there has been little progress so far. Protests began last week over government plans to tax natural resources.
