Mass demonstrations spearheaded by young Peruvians have entered a third consecutive week, mirroring a pattern of mobilisation that has also emerged in Paraguay, Nepal and other countries. The protests, which began in Lima on September 13, initially responded to a controversial pension reform but have since expanded to encompass broader grievances over corruption, insecurity, governance and the role of the police.

The original trigger was a controversial reform that sought to make pension affiliation mandatory for all adults from 2027, a measure widely criticised for benefiting private pension funds at the expense of workers. Although Congress later rolled back aspects of the reform, particularly the requirement for self-employed workers, demonstrations persisted. As noted by human rights group Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CNDDHH), demands now centre on repealing the law entirely, rejecting other parliamentary initiatives perceived as self-serving, and denouncing corruption and organised crime.

The movement has drawn not only students but also transport workers and employees from the agroindustry, particularly in regions such as Ica. According to recent polling cited by local media, President Dina Boluarte’s approval stands at a dismal 2%, while the legislature is supported by less than 2% of the population. Analysts argue that this double crisis of legitimacy has reinforced the perception of a political system detached from citizens’ demands.

Police response has seen extensive use of tear gas, rubber bullets and arbitrary detentions. The CNDDHH documented 83 cases of police aggression during the September 21 mobilisation alone, including 16 incidents directed against journalists. Videos circulated on social networks showed tear gas being launched at close range and detentions of individuals not engaged in violence.

Journalist advocacy groups Asociación Nacional de Periodistas (ANP) and the Asociación de Fotoperiodistas del Perú (AFPP) also reported multiple assaults on press workers. Infobae detailed the case of photojournalist John Reyes, who was beaten by at least ten officers despite clearly identifying himself as media. Eight attacks against journalists were recorded during the protests of September 27 and 28, six of them attributed to police agents.

In a bid to quell tensions, Prime Minister Eduardo Arana publicly apologised for what he described as “possible excesses” and announced that penalties could be applied to officers involved. He called for renewed coordination between authorities and the press during demonstrations. Nevertheless, rights groups argue that abuses are not isolated but reflect systemic shortcomings in police training and oversight.

The Lima municipality provided figures indicating 12 arrests and 19 police officers injured, several with severe burns, during recent clashes. One detainee was a 14-year-old, according to CNDDHH data. On the side of protesters, civil society groups recorded at least 24 injured, although the official number remains unclear.

Authorities in Lima estimated daily economic losses of PEN2mn to PEN3mn ($520,000–$780,000) in the historic centre, as the riots impact tourism, commerce and gastronomy. The municipality announced legal action against individuals accused of vandalism, with charges including aggravated damage to property, resistance to authority and disturbance of public order.

The current wave of youth-led protests bears resemblance to mobilisations elsewhere. CNN reported that Paraguayan protesters recently marched under the slogan “Somos el 99,9%”, echoing demonstrations in Nepal and Peru. In several countries, participants have carried images from the Japanese manga One Piece, specifically the skull with straw hat symbol, as a sign of rebellion. Political scientist Luisana Sánchez told CNN that these are “internet-driven phenomena with impact on urban youth”, adding that they rarely resonate in rural areas.

In Peru, the protests are amplified by the digital activism of Generation Z, with reports of doxing on TikTok and alleged mobile phone signal disruptions targeting demonstrators. Activists claim that such measures are designed to stigmatise them as “terrorists”, a tactic reminiscent of earlier authoritarian eras.

Meanwhile, President Boluarte continues to dismiss calls for her resignation. Speaking at an official event on September 29, she insisted she would remain in office until the scheduled 2026 elections, describing mounting demands for her departure and for the closure of Congress as “anarchic voices”. She argued that, under her watch, Peru has achieved “political stability” conducive to foreign investment, pointing to indicators such as low inflation and reductions in multidimensional poverty.

Boluarte also recalled the failed coup attempt by former president Pedro Castillo in December 2022, after which she controversially took office, asserting that her government has since strengthened democracy and order. However, her administration’s growing reliance on Congress, the military and major business groups demonstrates a lack of genuine reform.

The escalation of protests underlines the depth of disaffection among young Peruvians. While Gen Z activists denounce unemployment and precarious opportunities, sectors such as transport workers cite extortion and insecurity as additional motives for mobilisation. Civil society organisations stress that excessive police repression not only violates rights but also risks radicalising otherwise peaceful demonstrations.

The absence of strong and credible opposition leadership complicates prospects for political change, as youth-led protests may express discontent vividly but often struggle to convert mobilisation into sustained political influence. In Peru, this dynamic is further constrained by low institutional credibility and an entrenched culture of impunity.

Observers warn that the current unrest bears ominous similarities to the 2020 and 2022-2023 crises, when mass protests forced resignations and led to dozens of deaths. If the pattern repeats, the country could face renewed instability, which could spook markets and scare away investors just as the country scrambles to attract foreign capital. For now, the combination of deep disapproval ratings, allegations of corruption, and continuing demonstrations suggests that tensions between state institutions and civil society are far from resolved.