Bus drivers’ strike in Peru disrupts Lima amid rising crime concerns

LIMA – Bus drivers in Peru, angered by violent attacks and extortion, went on strike Wednesday for the third time in less than a month, disrupting the country’s sprawling capital as the government moved to counter fears over rising crime rates suppress.

Soldiers were deployed across Lima early in the morning to maintain order as frustrated residents struggled to reach their workplaces, with some opting for informal vehicles or taxis due to the lack of buses.

A wave of extortions prompted the Peruvian government last month to declare a state of emergency in much of the capital of more than 10 million people, but organizers of Wednesday’s strike say the deeply unpopular government has not done enough.

Some popular markets also closed their doors in support of the protest.

“This is the people’s reaction to the government’s lack of action against insecurity,” said Martin Valeriano, one of the strike’s organizers.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte vowed on Wednesday that authorities would quickly arrest the heads of criminal groups operating in the country, after saying before the strike that the protest would not improve security.

On Tuesday, she announced a plan to increase surveillance of foreigners in Peru, linking Venezuelan migrants to the reported increase in insecurity and extortion.

The government closed in-person classes at schools in Lima in light of the protest and urged employers to give their workers a tolerance of up to four hours for their workers’ arrival.

Lima resident Olivia Villanueva said she wanted to support the strikers’ cause, but said her workplace had not made any concessions to delayed commuters like herself.

“Right now it’s difficult for me to go to work. It’s really a big concern for us.”

Boluarte has said the protest was “politicized” at a time when her approval rating hit a new low of 4%, according to a poll published last week.

The strike comes just weeks before Lima hosts the leaders of the two member states of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) in mid-November.

Strike leader Valeriano said the strikes will continue in a staggered manner until there is a decisive response to the insecurity.

“If this government cannot do it, it must step aside and call a general election,” Valeriano said.

“Boluarte lives on another planet.” REUTERS