Peru’s armed forces to take control of key infrastructure amid protests

Peru’s new president pledged to work with Congress on Tuesday to see if the next election could be held sooner than previously proposed, as raucous street
protests that have led to at least seven deaths so far showed little sign of letting up.
President Dina Boluarte, the former vice president, was sworn in last Wednesday after then-leader Pedro Castillo illegally sought to dissolve Congress hours before being swiftly removed from office by lawmakers.
The move has led to angry and sometimes violent protests by Castillo’s supporters demanding a fresh presidential election, which have been met by police dispersing tear gas and gunfire in an effort to quell the unrest.
Boluarte, who has already pledged to seek a way to hold the election slated for 2026 in April 2024, pleaded for calm.