Peru Says Leftist Pro-Coup Riots Costing up to $26 Million a Day
Continuing riots over the ouster of Peruvian President Pedro Castillo have shut down major airports and transportation hubs in the country, stranding thousands of tourists.
The ongoing riots in Peru by leftist supporters of communist ex-president Pedro Castillo and their disruption of the nation’s supply chain are causing losses of upwards of 100 million Peruvian sol ($26 million) per day to Peru’s economy, Peru’s Economy and Finance Minister Alex Contreras announced on Tuesday.
Far-left protesters have rioted for nearly a week in support of Castillo, who was impeachedon December 7 after he attempted to dissolve the Peruvian Congress and rule by decree. Castillo made the move hours before Congress was set to vote for a third time on removing him from office. The act of dissolving Congress to stay in executive power is commonly referred to in Peru as a “self-coup” (autogolpe) since conservative ex-President Alberto Fujimori successfully did it in 1992.
‘So much corruption’: Protests grip Peru amid political turmoil
Al Jazeera speaks to Peruvians as the country enters a state of emergency after the arrest of ex-President Pedro Castillo.
Another day of political upheaval has gripped Peru, as protests continue to spread throughout the country following the impeachment and arrest of former President Pedro Castillo. Violent clashes with riot police have left at least seven dead and more wounded.
