Lima: Nationwide protests in Peru led by Gen Z activists took a deadly turn this week, with one protester killed and over 100 people injured during clashes with security forces. Despite growing unrest and calls for his resignation, newly sworn-in President Jose Jarry has refused to step down, emphasizing his role in preserving national stability.
The demonstrations, which began a month ago as peaceful calls for improved wages and pension reforms for young workers, escalated on Wednesday into violent confrontations in several cities, including the capital Lima. Authorities confirmed that at least 100 individuals sustained injuries, among them 80 police officers and 10 journalists covering the protest.
The death of 32-year-old protester Eduardo Ruiz, a well-known hip-hop artist and vocal critic of the government, has intensified public outrage. The Peruvian Prosecutor’s Office has launched a formal investigation into Ruiz’s death, stating he was shot during the mass mobilization that drew thousands of young demonstrators.
President Jarry, who took office on October 10 as Peru’s seventh leader in under ten years, addressed the media outside parliament following the unrest. “My duty is to uphold the stability of the nation. I will not resign,” he declared. “This government will not be swayed by chaos.”
Public frustration has been building since Jarry’s inauguration, with critics accusing the government of being out of touch with the younger generation’s economic realities. Protesters have also targeted several members of Congress, calling for broader political reforms and greater accountability.
Human rights groups have condemned the excessive use of force against demonstrators and urged the government to engage in dialogue rather than repression. Video footage circulating on social media shows police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, drawing international attention to the crisis.
As Peru grapples with yet another wave of political turbulence, analysts warn that unless meaningful reforms are introduced soon, public dissatisfaction — particularly among younger citizens — may continue to spiral.
