Boluarte calls for 'truce' after weeks of bloody protests
The Peruvian President calls for "dialogue, peace, and unity" following weeks of protests that left at least 46 people killed.
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Peruvian President Dina Boluarte speaking during a press conference with foreign media in Lima
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Tuesday called for a "national truce" as thousands of protesters continue to call for her resignation and fresh elections.
Boluarte called for "dialogue, peace, and unity" following weeks of protests that left at least 46 people killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Many Peruvians remain angry at the ouster of former leftist President Pedro Castillo, who was arrested on December 7 after attempting to dissolve parliament and rule by decree.
Demonstrators have kept up weeks of protests and roadblocks, demanding the dissolution of Congress and the rewriting of the constitution, while also defying a state of emergency imposed by Boluarte's government.
"I call on my dear country to a national truce to allow for the establishment of dialogue, to fix the agenda for each region and develop our towns. I will not tire from calling for dialogue, peace and unity," Boluarte said in a press conference with foreign media.
Despite Boluarte apologizing several times for those killed in the protests, she ruled out submitting her resignation, claiming that she will leave office "once we have called a general election... I have no intention of remaining in power."
The Peruvian President said she was sure Congress would agree in February to advance elections, currently due for April 2024.
Asked about her possible resignation, Boluarte doubted the idea would "solve the crisis and the violence."
