All hell has broken loose in Peru; a nation in the middle of violent political upheavals

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Violent protests with associated police reactions have filled the streets, not only in the capital but throughout the nation. The ouster of President Pedro Castillo, after his attempt to dissolve congress last Wednesday, has brought out his socialistic supporters in mass, armed and prepared for battle in Peru’s streets. The congress has responded with authority and assurance to all of Peru’s citizens that the constitution will be upheld.

You see, the congress of Peru did not get along well with the elected President Castillo. No, not one bit. In frustration the President tried to bring about a peaceful coup last week, attempting to dissolve his congressional nemesis and declare a national emergency, allowing the President to use extraordinary powers to accomplish his bold economic and social plans for the nation.

Within hours, the President and many of his cohorts were arrested. Peru is a nation used to violent political upheavals, yet this event seems as comical as it is historically unprecedented in Latin American history. A President acts with either courage or stupidity in an effort to bring down his own government and declare himself temporary dictator.

The new President of Peru, Dina Boluarte fears the nation could ellipse into a wave of blood, should the street fighters remain uncontrolled. Also, many within the administration fear how the powerful military will respond.

Did America’s influence encourage the infighting and anti Castillo movement? America feared Castillo’s plans to possibly nationalize American held properties and businesses. Is this whole situation resultant upon the actions and desires of foreign influences such as America and the EU? Even China has its foothold within the economy of this small nation, whose large natural resource base lays as yet untouched. Castillo wanted to protect his nation’s precious resources, and seems to have politically reacted with little foresight and planning. Six people have died and over a hundred police injured. At a certain point the military will march into the fray, leading all sides towards a possible civil war.

The political and economic elites of Peru and their foreign allies stalled President Castillo at each turn, much like the Republican Party did with President Obama years ago in the USA. Nothing could be achieved, and the President was becoming a servicing lame duck in many ways.

Castillo’s impeachment lays a legal battle that will further flame the political violence seen today. Can moderate intervention possibly bring about a peaceful resolution in time? Look at Latin American history, and you can probably conclude what will happen.