06/05/2015
Peru: Rising protests in energy and mining sectors as a challenge to the ruling political party
A series of protests, including violent ones, in the energy and mining sectors have been taking place in different Peruvian regions since the beginning of the year 2015. These demonstrations could challenge the newly sworn-in Primer Minister and the political party in power ahead of the 2016 Presidential elections.
To recall, on April 27, Pedro Cateriano, won the vote of confidence in Congress with 73 votes in favour, 11 against and 39 abstentions. He had been chosen by Peruvian President Ollanta Humala following the censure of ex-Prime Minister, Ana Jara, over spying allegations on March 30. The fact that Cateriano is a supporter of Humala and that the next Presidential elections are to be held soon, in 2016, make the new Prime Minister as well as the ruling political party particularly vulnerable to future possible outbreaks of violence.