A wave of young voices is rising in Peru. Generation Z activists are stepping onto the streets once again. They aim their anger directly at President Dina Boluarte. Their reasons are many, from pension reforms to widespread corruption.
This past Saturday saw more protests. Young people gathered to challenge their leader. This happened just a week after similar marches in Lima, the capital. Those earlier events turned chaotic, with police, protesters, and journalists getting hurt. Over a dozen people were injured in the clashes.
The latest protests trace back to September 20. That’s when new pension reforms were announced. These rules would make everyone over 18 join a pension fund. But this change is only part of the story. Deeper frustration with President Boluarte and the parliament fuels the movement.
Professor Jo-Marie Burt, a Princeton University expert on Peruvian politics, explains the long-held anger. She notes a slow burn of discontent. Corruption scandals, a shaky economy, and rising crime have all added fuel. People are also furious about the deaths of many protesters. Security forces killed dozens of them when Boluarte took office in late 2022. Nobody has been held accountable for those deaths.
A July report from the Peruvian Studies Institute paints a grim picture. President Boluarte’s approval rating sits at a mere 2.5%. Parliament fares only slightly better at 3%. The unrest is not confined to Lima. It has also hit the mining industry. Peru is a major global player, ranking third in copper production.
What makes these Gen Z protests stand out? They share symbols with youth movements in Indonesia and Nepal. One striking image is a skull wearing a straw hat. This comes from the Japanese manga series “One Piece.” The story follows a pirate crew on a treasure hunt.
Leonardo Muñoz, a protester in Lima, explained the choice. He said the main character, Luffy, frees people from cruel leaders. “That’s exactly what’s happening in many countries,” he stated, “including Peru right now.” Another student protester, Santiago Zapata, voiced his deep frustration. “We’re tired of these things becoming normal,” Zapata said. “When did we normalize death? When did we normalize corruption? Extortion?” He stressed a key point. “My generation is here because we’re tired of being silenced. We’re tired of being scared. The government we elected should be scared of us.”
Experts suggest that outside pressure on the government is low. However, prolonged protests could be a game-changer. They might “hold the line of resistance.” This could prevent the power system from fully dominating. Such sustained action could even lead to good outcomes. The “opera is not over yet,” one expert noted.
Source: Reuters