Political turmoil is tearing Peru apart

Two months of often violent protest threaten democracy’s survival

TOPSHOT - Demonstrators clash with riot police during a protest against the government of Dina Boluarte asking for her resignation and the closure of Congress, in Lima on January 24, 2023. - Peru's President Dina Boluarte called for a "national truce" as thousands of protesters continue to call for her resignation and fresh elections, following weeks of protests that have at times turned violent, with at least 46 people killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. (Photo by ERNESTO BENAVIDES / AFP) (Photo by ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images) — Image: Getty Images

Jan 30th 2023|LIMA

For the past few weeks the cry of “Dina asesina! Dina asesina!” has rung out across the streets of several of Peru’s bigger towns and cities. It is unfortunate for the country’s president that her first name rhymes with the Spanish word for “murderer”. Dina Boluarte is the legal, constitutional head of state. But since she took over on December 7th at least 58 people have died during protests, 46 of them civilians in clashes with the security forces, according to the ombudsman’s office. Her name has become toxic, and for many Peruvians her government has lost any legitimacy.

This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline “A country tearing itself apart”