Peru has been plunged into political turmoil after the government declared a 30-day state of emergency following violent clashes between police and youth protesters in the capital city of Lima.
Youth Uprising Grips Lima
The streets of central Lima transformed into battlegrounds on Friday as thousands of young demonstrators, predominantly from Generation Z, confronted riot police in protests against the government's austerity programme. The unrest marks one of the most significant youth-led movements in recent Peruvian history.
"We're fighting for our future," declared 19-year-old university student Ana Morales, one of the protest organisers. "The government keeps cutting essential services while ignoring the needs of young people. We won't stay silent anymore."
Emergency Measures Implemented
Under the state of emergency, security forces have been granted sweeping powers including:
- Suspension of constitutional rights to assembly and movement
- Authorization for warrantless searches and detentions
- Military deployment to support police operations
- Establishment of security perimeters around government buildings
Interior Minister Luis Barranzuela defended the measures as "necessary to restore order and protect public safety" after what he described as "coordinated attacks on state infrastructure."
Protesters' Demands
The Gen Z-led movement has presented a clear set of demands to the government:
- Immediate reversal of recent austerity cuts to education and social programmes
- Greater youth representation in political decision-making
- Action on rising youth unemployment, currently exceeding 25%
- Investigation into alleged police brutality during previous protests
Social media has played a crucial role in mobilising supporters, with viral videos of the clashes garnering millions of views and international attention.
International Reaction
Human rights organisations have expressed concern over the government's response. Amnesty International issued a statement urging Peruvian authorities to "respect the right to peaceful protest while ensuring proportional use of force."
The European Union has called for dialogue between the government and protest leaders, emphasizing the need to address the "legitimate concerns of Peru's youth."
As the 30-day emergency period begins, both sides appear entrenched in their positions, with protesters vowing to continue their demonstrations despite the restrictions. The coming weeks will test whether this youth-led movement can sustain its momentum against increasingly powerful state opposition.
