As of now, there are high-level negotiations in Peru to resolve the country's ongoing political crisis, sparked by the removal of the country's ex-president.
Lima, the nation's capital city, has reportedly been the location of several high-level meetings between the Council of State, which is the body that brings together members from all levels of authority, and the heads of Peru's churches.
Following several days of violent demonstrations in response to the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo on December 7, two senior ministers in the administration submitted their resignations. The violent demonstrations and protests have resulted in the deaths of almost 20 individuals so far.
After demonstrators forced the closure of a nearby airport, the reports by several reliable sources stated that thousands of tourists are now stranded in the city of Cusco, located in the southeastern part of Peru.
The Background
Castillo's announcement that he would dissolve Congress and institute a state of emergency sparked the most recent political crisis in Peru, which followed years of political unrest in the country.
His strategy was unsuccessful, and the votes to impeach him in Congress were overwhelming.
Moreover, the former President is held in custody while an investigation into allegations of rebellion and conspiracy is carried out. He refutes every claim, maintaining that he is still the lawful president of the nation.
Demonstrators have demanded that Congress be shut down, that newly elected President Dina Boluarte resign, and that elections be held sooner rather than later. On Friday, members of Congress cast their votes against a motion to move the elections forward to the next year.
High-level meetings: Situation in Peru continues to worsen.
According to a report which was cited by health officials, at least eight people were killed on Thursday in clashes between armed forces and supporters of Castillo in the central area of Ayacucho. Videos flowing on social media showed demonstrators shutting down major populated areas and airports.
Resignation and plight of tourists
After a few hours passed, Education Minister Patricia Correa announced that she would resign. She took to Twitter to express her sentiments, writing that "the killing of countrymen has no validity" and that "state aggression cannot be disproportionate and cause death."
Later on, Jair Perez, the Minister of Culture for Peru, also resigned.
The tourist business in the nation has suffered due to the demonstrations. The mayor of Cusco, who spoke with media agencies, said that about 5,000 visitors are now stuck in the city since the airport was shut down after demonstrators attempted to attack the terminal.
Machu Picchu is a historic Inca fortress in Peru that attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually and is most easily accessed from the city of Cusco.
After the train line that serves the little town at the base of the mountain where the citadel is located suddenly ceased working, around 800 visitors were left stranded in the town.
The demonstrations are also having an effect on the tourist economy in the nation. After demonstrators attempted to attack the airport terminal, the airport in Cusco was forced to shut, leaving around 5,000 visitors stuck in the city.
There have been reports of visitors, mostly from the United States and Europe, leaving the town on foot along the railroad lines to make their way back to Cusco.
With the increasing demonstrations, violence and other challenges in Peru, it is highly improbable for the country to have a delightful new year ahead. However, the need of the hour is to announce re-election which should be done at the earliest to avoid the plight of citizens and tourists.
Following several days of violent demonstrations in response to the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo on December 7, two senior ministers in the administration submitted their resignations. The violent demonstrations and protests have resulted in the deaths of almost 20 individuals so far.
After demonstrators forced the closure of a nearby airport, the reports by several reliable sources stated that thousands of tourists are now stranded in the city of Cusco, located in the southeastern part of Peru.
High-level meetings: Situation in Peru continues to worsen.
According to a report which was cited by health officials, at least eight people were killed on Thursday in clashes between armed forces and supporters of Castillo in the central area of Ayacucho. Videos flowing on social media showed demonstrators shutting down major populated areas and airports.
