Peru’s President Dina Boluarte faces intense protests during the APEC summit, reflecting her 4% approval rating and public frustration over rising crime and governance. While world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, gather for discussions, demonstrators express discontent with Boluarte’s handling of political and social issues. Authorities declared non-working holidays to manage unrest, but tensions remain high, illustrating the challenges of her administration amidst an international spotlight.
As Peru hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, protests have erupted against its President Dina Boluarte, whose approval rating stands at an alarming 4%. Demonstrators in Lima have voiced their discontent over the government’s inability to address escalating crime rates, a concern that has intensified amid recent acts of violent extortion and murder linked to criminal gangs. U.S. President Joe Biden and other global leaders are in attendance, further spotlighting Boluarte’s unpopularity and the severe public sentiment against her administration. Boluarte’s ascension to the presidency was unanticipated; she became the leader after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, attempted to dissolve Congress. Following his ousting, violent protests ensued, which have tainted her early leadership. Her popularity further plummeted after allegations of wealth accumulation surfaced amid her lavish lifestyle, including the infamous incident of her wearing Rolex watches. In the backdrop of the APEC summit, anti-government sentiment has fueled protests across the capital and other regions, highlighting public frustration over the administration’s perceived neglect and ineffectiveness in combatting rising crime. Despite declaring a state of emergency, the government struggled to maintain order, evident from clashes between riot police and protestors. Authorities anticipated and attempted to quell disruptions during the international event, resorting to non-working holidays to minimize potential unrest on the streets. While Boluarte aims to project stability and leadership, many Peruvians, like protester Betty Mendoza, criticize her efforts, stating, “She does not represent us; we did not elect her.” The public’s dissatisfaction reflects a broader narrative about governance and representation, as citizens demand accountability and action against gang violence and crime. Many feel that Boluarte’s administration has been inactive, effectively shifting essential responsibilities to lawmakers who have largely sidestepped the calls for her impeachment. As protests intersect with APEC’s global spotlight, they underscore the challenges facing Peru in light of its president’s unpopularity and pressing socio-political issues.
The political landscape in Peru has been tumultuous, marked by President Dina Boluarte’s largely unanticipated rise to power after the ousting of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo. With increased public unrest stemming from economic instability and rising crime, Boluarte has become a contentious figure among the populace. Her recent visibility coinciding with the APEC summit has not yielded the desired public relations boost as protests have erupted, illustrating deep-seated dissatisfaction with her administration. The APEC summit serves as a focal point for both international diplomacy and domestic frustration, notably reflecting the challenges Peru faces regarding governance and citizen safety.
In conclusion, the APEC summit in Peru has brought to the forefront not only international cooperation and economic discussions but also the prevailing dissatisfaction with President Dina Boluarte’s administration. Her record-low approval ratings, coupled with widespread protests regarding crime and governance, illustrate the significant challenges she faces. Public unrest signifies a demand for change and accountability, as many Peruvians feel disconnected from their government. Boluarte’s attempts to leverage the APEC summit for legitimacy have resulted in clashes between protesters and law enforcement, revealing a fractured political landscape that requires urgent attention and reform.
Original Source: apnews.com
