LIMA, Jan 13 (NNN-ANDINA) — Prime Minister Alberto Otarola affirmed that Pres Dina Boluarte is firm in leading the country, adding that she will not resign her post —in response to the request of some authorities and protesters.
“I want to say it absolutely clear, the Madam President of the Republic will not resign; that is not going to happen,” Otarola emphasized.
Within this framework, the Cabinet chief asked 33 million Peruvians to trust democracy, the rule of law, human rights, their institutions, as well as the National Police and the Armed Forces.
“We are clear about our mandate; we know what we have to do and what we cannot or must not do,” he stressed during a press conference held following a session of the Council of Ministers at the Government Palace in Lima.
The Prime Minister announced that some measures will be announced soon, which can lay the foundations for a broad dialogue process in the country and for violence to cease.
“But I would like to reiterate that we are absolutely committed to ending violence (…) and the commitment is also (made) to the 33 million Peruvians to protect their lives, their integrity, as well as public and private assets, and allow them to move freely, which is another problem that has been generated due to these mobilizations,” he said.
Otarola seemed confident that the efforts being undertaken by the Executive Branch and all institutions —including the organized civil society and the Church— in the near future will allow the foundations for a broad dialogue process to be laid.
Regarding the investigation that the Public Ministry has opened into the deaths during social mobilizations, the Cabinet chief indicated that the Government will actively collaborate on the case and provide all the information that is required.
“Not only do we have the obligation to do so, but we are the most interested in the progress and completion of the investigation,” he said.
Along the same lines, Otarola expressed his support for the formation of an investigative commission at the Congress of the Republic for this case, “because the truth must be known.“
Deadly protests erupted in Peru were sparked after the former President, Pedro Castillo, attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, which many viewed as unconstitutional.
Castillo was subsequently arrested and replaced by the Vice President, Dina Boluarte prompting his supporters to take to the streets.
Clashes involving police and armed forces have left some 40 people dead, and 518 injured. — NNN-ANDINA
