The peoples of Latin America are once again the target of American imperialism, which, in its effort to “export democracy”, is attempting to overthrow another democratically elected government, this time in Peru. The parliamentary coup against President Pedro Castillo, elected only last year based on a social program, shows most clearly that the US, regardless of who is in power, continues its long tradition of aggressive foreign interventions to service the big private interests lurking for new wealth.
The overthrow of President Castillo by the Congress in which the right is the majority, combined with the open support (political, diplomatic and financial) widely offered by the USA, found the Peruvian people in the streets. The unrest caused as a result of the Peruvian right challenging the popular mandate, quickly turned into a mass river of generalized disobedience, fighting for demands even Castillo himself denied in his moderate premiership. The popular demand for a revision of the Constitution, which has remained the same since Fujimori’s very harsh rule in the 90s, encapsulates the essence of the democratic uprising for social justice.
The replacement of Castillo by Dina Boluarte essentially gives power to a coalition of extreme and right-wing organizations, and goes against any notion of democratic rule. The declaration of a state of emergency by the new administration points the way to authoritarianism, which has already counted 25 dead people in clashes between protesters and the police and the army.
In Anametrisi, we can only stand committed and in solidarity on the side of all those who physically risk their lives for democracy and their country’s sovereignty. We stand by the trade unions, left-wing parties and indigenous organizations who respond in coordination with nationwide strikes and massive, multifaceted mobilizations. Only the people can and should have a say in the country’s future.
International Affairs Section of Anametrisi
