The President of Peru, Dina Boluarteapologized this Friday on behalf of the State for the 77 died in the anti-government protests that shook the country between last December and Marchannounced that his government will follow the recommendations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and proposed a social pact for reconciliation and peace.
“I declare again and with great pain that the balance of victims and injured is an unfortunate result that nobody wanted. With deep and painful consternation I apologize on behalf of the State to the relatives of all the deceased, civilians, police and military, “said Boluarte in a speech before Congress.
The president gave the traditional balance speech of her mandate in the Legislature, which she assumed on December 7 after the failed self-coup of her successor, Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), and which she led with a reflection on the protests .
He stated that his executive will comply with the recommendations of the IACHR on the matter and held out his hand by proposing “sign a reconciliation pact, a pact for life, for peace, for justice, for equality”.
“I declare that for my government there were no winners or losers, democracy allows the right to peaceful protest, but democracy also allows and demands dialogue, therefore I announce that we will relaunch the (forum of) national agreement, incorporating all social sectors in order to discuss the social agenda and pending political reforms,” said Boluarte.
He also referred to the fact that the direct economic damage from the acts of violence has been estimated by the Ombudsman at approximately 5,500 million soles (1,532 million dollars), losses of 2,500 million in production and 3,000 million in damage to infrastructure.
He cited the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics, which determined that only in January 2023 production fell by 1.12%, “a negative trend that, as a subsequent extended damage, has been felt in the drop in GDP to 0%” in the first five months of 2023.
“We need to make reforms to guarantee governability, convinced that only in democracy will we build justice and development for other peoples,” the president concluded this first part.
He assured that there will be no impunity “for anyone” and that he maintains his commitment to the Public Ministry to continue collaborating in the investigations, even if there is no way to repair and restore the lives of the deceased.
“However, to somewhat compensate the irreparable extent of the loss of their loved ones and the injuries suffered by the injured, my Government ordered comprehensive aid in favor of the bereaved and those affected. Through the Ministry of Justice, it has granted exceptional financial benefits to 111 relatives of 63 deceased people. Also, 155 people who suffered serious injuries have received exceptional financial support,” he explained.
He pointed out that it should not be forgotten that the country is in a scenario of instability that has lasted for several years and that has led to several presidents.
FOUNTAIN: EFE
