TThousands of demonstrators in Lima on Saturday demanded the removal of Peru’s head of state, Pedro Castillo. “I came to this march to get rid of this corrupt man. Castillo has to go, that’s what this march is for, to drive him out,” one of the protesters, Nancy Huarcaya, told AFP. At the same time, supporters of the President gathered on the central San Martín Square in Lima.
During the protest march through the center of the capital, police officers used tear gas against Castillo opponents to keep them away from parliament and the government palace. “We are here representing millions of Peruvians. Peru can’t take it anymore. We are on the edge of the abyss, everything is stagnating economically,” protester Carola Suarez told AFP. Similar demonstrations, called for by political groups and citizens’ initiatives, took place in other cities in the country.
Corruption complaint
“You will have me until the last day of my term because my people have decided so,” Castillo said on Saturday at the government palace. The Organization of American States (OAS) is due to meet in Lima in two weeks to get an idea of the political crisis on the ground.
Castillo took over the presidency 13 months ago. There are now six investigations and a constitutional complaint against him for allegations of corruption, involvement in organized crime and obstruction of justice. During his term of office, which normally ends in July 2026, he enjoys immunity. It can still be determined against him.
