A week after Pedro Castillo was removed from office, Peru finds itself in a climate of political uncertainty. The provisional government imposed a 30-day nationwide state of emergency to respond to ongoing protests that have already left seven people dead and many more injured. Authorities promised a firm and decisive response, yet the measure’s effectiveness remains uncertain as of today. Questions linger about whether the former president will remain jailed and when new presidential elections might be held. Interim president Dina Boluarte faces a fragile balance as the country navigates rapid developments and questions about the timetable for stabilization.
Demonstrations and roadblocks intensified nationwide as calls grew for Castillo’s release, new elections, and the dissolution of Congress. Rural educators have pressed for changes, while lawmakers in various districts push to block or reverse government actions that disrupt daily life. The military responded to restore the flow of trade and transportation, and several cities reported food shortages as tensions rose. The Office of the Ombudsman has spoken of a humanitarian corridor to support people stranded across the region. In a published editorial, Boluarte urged Peruvians to remain peaceful and compliant with the law, stressing that the government must address the public’s concerns with immediacy.
In a televised appeal, Boluarte urged unity and adherence to the constitution, stressing that institutions must oversee any early elections and that the process should be conducted within the legal framework. She suggested that the nation consider December 2023 as the earliest possible window for a renewal of the ballot through legislative and electoral authorities. The political ball is in motion, though the path ahead remains uncertain and contested.
Castle’s status
Meanwhile, Castillo continues to stage demonstrations outside the Special Operations Directorate in Lima, demanding his release. In a letter addressed to the agency, he framed the situation as a struggle against anger, humiliation, and mistreatment, asserting that his freedom is being restrained after 18 months in detention. He called on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to intervene on behalf of him and others who seek justice, maintaining that his detention is unjust and that he has not committed the crimes alleged by authorities.
A court hearing to decide on preventive detention for Castillo and former Prime Minister Anibal Torres on charges such as rioting, abuse of power, conspiracy, and serious public disturbance was suspended this week and is expected to resume the following day. Castillo’s defense counsel has stepped down, citing the need for a new strategy amid ongoing legal proceedings. The former president has repeatedly claimed his innocence and stressed that he does not seek personal power, but rather a voice for those who supported his policies and who feel neglected by the current system.
Warning
Peruvian media outlets have offered mixed assessments of the political crisis. A leading national paper has described the political aides around Castillo as likely to defend him at the expense of democracy and the rule of law. Analysts note a regional pattern where several politicians, governments, and reporters have questioned the official narrative, occasionally framing the events as a victimization story rather than a coup. Reactions from neighboring countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia reflect concerns about the trajectory of Peru’s impeachment process and its implications for regional stability. The episode is already being debated as a turning point in Latin American politics, with critics warning that haste could erode democratic norms and civil liberties for years to come.