SAEDNEWS: Hundreds of anti-government protesters clashed with police in the Peruvian capital Lima on Saturday, throwing stones and sticks as officers fired tear gas on the demonstrators.
A wave of unrest hit Peru as hundreds of citizens, led by the youth collective “Generation Z,” took to the streets to protest rising corruption, organized crime, and a controversial pension reform, AFP reported.
“Today, there is less democracy than before. It's getting worse… because of fear, because of extortion,” said 54-year-old protester Gladys. Around 500 people gathered in Lima’s city center, facing heavy police deployment.
Clashes erupted as demonstrators attempted to approach executive and congressional buildings. Reporters from Exitosa Radio were attacked with pellets, and police confirmed at least three officers were wounded.
Protesters criticized both Congress and President Dina Boluarte, whose approval ratings have plummeted amid corruption scandals and rising organized crime. “Congress has no credibility; it is wreaking havoc in this country,” said Celene Amasifuen.
Tensions intensified after the legislature passed a law requiring young adults to join a private pension fund, sparking outrage among workers already facing precarious employment conditions.
The demonstrations reflect deep frustration with governance, social inequality, and institutional corruption, as Peru grapples with mounting public anger and a youth-led push for change.
