Dozens killed in Peru government protests as unrest continues
CBSNov 25, 2022
The Facts
Peru's Interior Ministry announced Monday that Bolivia's socialist former Pres. Evo Morales, who has been blamed for inciting unrest, was barred from entering the country along with eight other unidentified Bolivian nationals.
This move comes amid weeks of deadly protests against Peruvian Pres. Dina Boluarte after her predecessor Pedro Castillo was ousted in December for allegedly attempting to illegally dissolve Congress, with some demonstrations taking place near the border with Bolivia.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Latin America's leftist establishment only seems to oppose right-wing coups. Castillo's announcement to dissolve Congress was a clear coup attempt that violated the Peruvian constitution, but instead of condemning Castillo, left-wing leaders are now complaining about his ouster. Astonishingly, a leftist leader like Morales is now advocating for "democracy" while he himself remained in power long beyond his constitutional term and blatantly rigged Bolivia's 2019 elections. By siding with Castillo, Latin America's left is unmasking itself.
Establishment-critical narrative
Morales has every right to stand up for the largely poor and indigenous protesters and for Castillo's release, given the current Peruvian government's lack of any true democratic legitimacy. The outrage of Peruvians who voted for Castillo is justified as it was the US that interfered in Peru's internal affairs to remove Castillo and eventually install Boluarte in power. It's not leftist leaders like Morales who are jeopardizing democracy in Latin America, but Washington and its policy of meddling in its supposed Latin American backyard.
