2020 Peruvian protests

Martín Vizcarra was elected as First Vice President of Peru in a 2016 general election, running with Pedro Pablo Kuczynski of the Peruanos Por el Kambio party. On 23 March 2018, Vizcarra was sworn into office as president of Peru following the resignation of President Kuczynski.{{cite web|last=Quigley|first=John|date=21 March 2018|title=Vizcarra Set to Become Peru's New President Facing Daunting Challenges|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-22/peru-s-new-leader-vizcarra-taking-office-amid-persistent-tumult|access-date=22 March 2018|publisher=Bloomberg}}{{cite web|last=Collyns|first=Dan|date=22 March 2018|title=Peru president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigns amid corruption scandal|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/21/peru-president-pedro-pablo-kuczynski-resigns-amid-corruption-scandal|access-date=22 March 2018|work=The Guardian}} Upon being sworn into office, Vizcarra stated "we've had enough", vowing to combat corruption as president.{{cite news|date=23 March 2018|title=Martin Vizcarra Sworn In As Peru's New President|language=en|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/23/596578223/martin-vizcarra-sworn-in-as-perus-new-president|access-date=24 March 2018}}

Throughout Vizcarra's tenure, he faced opposition from the Congress of Peru.{{Cite web|last=Burt|first=Jo-Marie|date=17 September 2020|title=Vizcarra May Survive. But Peru's Politics Look Fragile.|url=https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/vizcarra-may-survive-but-perus-politics-look-fragile/|access-date=2020-09-17|website=Americas Quarterly|language=en-US}} He initially faced opposition from the Fujimorist congress when pushing for the constitutional referendum in 2018, an election that resulted in laws prohibiting the private funding of political campaigns and a ban on reelecting lawmakers.{{Cite news|date=13 May 2018|title=Vargas Llosa: "Las credenciales de Martín Vizcarra son bastante buenas"|language=es|work=La República|url=https://larepublica.pe/politica/1242125-vargas-llosa-credenciales-martin-vizcarra-son-buenas|access-date=14 May 2018}}{{Cite news|last=Tegel|first=Simeon|date=12 August 2018|title=Corruption scandals have ensnared 3 Peruvian presidents. Now the whole political system could change |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/corruption-scandals-have-ensnared-3-peruvian-presidents-now-the-whole-political-system-could-change/2018/08/11/0cd43ab0-9a82-11e8-a8d8-9b4c13286d6b_story.html|access-date=17 August 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Briceno|first=Franklin|date=9 December 2018|title=Exit polling indicates Peruvians vote to fight corruption|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/article222865970.html|access-date=10 December 2018|website=The Miami Herald|language=en}} Into 2019, the Fujimorist congress continued to delay Vizcarra's reforms, with Vizcarra later dissolving the congress after instituting a motion of no confidence, saying it was "clear the democracy of our nation is at risk".{{Cite news|date=1 October 2019|title=Peru's president dissolves Congress to push through anti-corruption reforms|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/01/perus-president-dissolves-congress-to-push-through-anti-corruption-reforms|access-date=1 October 2019|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news|last=Briceno|first=Franklin|date=27 September 2019|title=Peru leader pushes vote that could let him dissolve congress|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/peru-leader-pushes-vote-that-could-let-him-dissolve-congress/2019/09/27/01d62eba-e15e-11e9-be7f-4cc85017c36f_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001015322/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/peru-leader-pushes-vote-that-could-let-him-dissolve-congress/2019/09/27/01d62eba-e15e-11e9-be7f-4cc85017c36f_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2019|access-date=1 October 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en}}

A legislative election was held later on 26 January 2020 which replaced the dissolved congress, with centrist parties replacing the Fujimorist majority in congress.{{Cite news|date=30 January 2020|title=The difficulty of reforming Peru|newspaper=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2020/01/30/the-difficulty-of-reforming-peru|access-date=2020-02-06|issn=0013-0613}} Analysts Diego Pereira and Lucila Barbeito of JPMorgan Chase & Co described the new congress as being "even more antagonistic to the [Vizcarra] government than the previous one"{{Cite web|last=Quigley|first=John|date=10 September 2020|title=Peru's Congress to Consider Impeaching President Over Tapes|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-11/peru-president-says-opponents-seeking-to-remove-him-from-power|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Bloomberg}} while Americas Quarterly wrote that the four main right-wing parties of congress – Alliance for Progress, Podemos Perú, Popular Action and Union for Peru – feared Vizcarra's anti-corruption measures on campaign financing, political transparency and the participation of convicted persons in government.

As Peru's economy declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru, Vizcarra faced increased political pressure from the newly inaugurated congress presided by Manuel Merino, with the majority of the legislative body being controlled by those opposing Vizcarra. Finally on 5 July 2020, Vizcarra proposed a referendum to be held during the 2021 Peruvian general election to remove parliamentary immunity,{{Cite web|title=Peru President to call referendum on elimination of parliamentary immunity|url=https://andina.pe/ingles/noticia-peru-president-to-call-referendum-on-elimination-of-parliamentary-immunity-804498.aspx|access-date=2020-09-17|website=Andina|language=es}} though congress quickly responded by assembling that same night to pass their own immunity bill that contained proposals to remove immunity from the president, constitutional court and the human rights ombudsman while also strengthening some instances of parliamentary immunity.{{Cite web|last=Tegel|first=Simeon|date=20 July 2020|title=In Peru, Congress' Move Against Immunity Isn't What It Seems|url=https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/in-peru-congress-move-against-immunity-isnt-what-it-seems/|access-date=2020-09-17|website=Americas Quarterly|language=en-US}}

{{Main|First impeachment process against Martín Vizcarra}}

In early 2020, investigations began surrounding a contract for a little-known singer by the name of Richard Cisneros to perform speeches for the Ministry of Culture. The first impeachment process was led by the imprisoned Antauro Humala and his Union for Peru (UPP) party, according to reports in Peru.{{Cite web|title=A Notorious Rebel Leader Just Got Peru's President Impeached From Prison|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/a-notorious-rebel-leader-just-got-perus-president-impeached-from-prison/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Vice News|language=en}} Humala was sentenced to 19 years in prison following his Andahuaylazo uprising against President Alejandro Toledo that resulted in the deaths of police. From his cell, Humala reportedly orchestrated the impeachment process with members of congress and his UPP supporters. Edgar Alarcón, a UPP congressman and a close supporter of Humala, took charge of the impeachment process against Vizcarra. Alarcón himself, according to Vice News, was protected from criminal charges of embezzlement and illicit monetary gains due to parliamentary immunity, charges that could have resulted with seventeen years in prison.

It was alleged that an inexperienced Cisneros was able to receive payments totaling US$50,000 due to contacts in the Government Palace. Investigators searched offices in the Government Palace on 1 June 2020 regarding the alleged irregularities. Vizcarra responded to the release of the recordings stating "I am not going to resign. I am not running away" and that the "audios have been edited and maliciously manipulated; as you can see, they purposely seek to turn a job-related claim into a criminal or political act, wanting to take words out of context and intend to accuse me of non-existent situations. Nothing is further from reality".{{Cite web|title=Peru: President Vizcarra denounces plot against democracy|url=https://andina.pe/agencia/noticia-peru-president-vizcarra-denounces-plot-against-democracy-813332.aspx|access-date=2020-09-11|website=Andina|language=es}}

{{blockquote|quote=Peru's democracy is, unfortunately, sinking further and further into crisis, ... The removal of the president is a really big deal, and it requires serious deliberation, public debate and investigation. There has been none.|author=Steve Levitsky{{cite news |title=Peru's Martin Vizcarra faces impeachment for 'moral incapacity' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/09/peru-martin-vizcarra-faces-impeachment-moral-incapacity-200912033957837.html |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |date=12 September 2020}}

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President of Congress Manuel Merino was criticized by critics regarding how he hastily pushed for impeachment proceedings against Vizcarra. If Vizcarra were to be removed from office, Merino would assume the presidential office given his position in congress and due to the absence of vice presidents for Vizcarra.{{efn|Peru has two Vice Presidents, a First and Second Vice President. The most recent holders of the office of First and Second Vice President were Vizcarra and Mercedes Aráoz, respectively, who were elected in the 2016 election. Vizcarra left the office of First Vice President vacant after he succeeded Kuzcynski as President, leaving Aráoz as the sole Vice President,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-49890459|title=Disolución del Congreso en Perú: quién es Mercedes Aráoz, que renunció tras ser nombrada 'presidenta en funciones' por el Parlamento peruano para sustituir a Vizcarra|trans-title=Dissolution of Congress in Peru: who is Mercedes Aráoz, who resigned after being named "acting president" by the Peruvian Parliament to replace Vizcarra|work=BBC Mundo|language=es|date=2 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}} while Aráoz resigned as Second Vice President on 1 October 2019 after the Congress of Peru named Aráoz acting President the day before after having declared Vizacarra temporarily unfit for office, despite Congress having itself been dissolved earlier that day by President Vizcarra, resulting in a constitutional crisis.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-49887706|title=Disolución del Congreso en Perú: 4 claves para entender el enfrentamiento entre Vizcarra y el Parlamento (y lo que puede pasar ahora)|trans-title=Dissolution of Congress in Peru: 4 keys to understanding the confrontation between Vizcarra and Parliament (and what can happen now)|work=BBC Mundo|language=es|date=2 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-49902081|title=Disolución del Congreso de Perú: las dudas sobre la legalidad de la decisión de Vizcarra de disolver la cámara y sobre la suspensión temporal del presidente|trans-title=Dissolution of the Congress of Peru: doubts about the legality of Vizcarra's decision to dissolve the chamber and about the temporary suspension of the president|work=BBC Mundo|language=es|date=2 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-49902304|title=Disolución del Congreso en Perú: renuncia Mercedes Aráoz, nombrada "presidenta en funciones" por el Parlamento en sustitución de Vizcarra|trans-title=Dissolution of Congress in Peru: Mercedes Aráoz, appointed "acting president" by Parliament to replace Vizcarra, resigns|work=BBC Mundo|language=es|date=2 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}}{{cite tweet|first=Mercedes|last=Aráoz Fernández|author-link=Mercedes Aráoz|user=MecheAF|date=1 October 2019|title=He decidido renunciar irrevocablemente al cargo de Vicepresidenta Constitucional de la República. Las razones las explico en la carta adjunta. Espero que mi renuncia conduzca a la convocatoria de elecciones generales en el más breve plazo por el bien del país.|trans-title=I have decided to irrevocably resign from the post of Constitutional Vice President of the Republic. The reasons are explained in the attached letter. I hope that my resignation will lead to the calling of general elections in the shortest possible time for the good of the country.|language=es|number=1179221001936211968}} However, her resignation was not official until it was accepted on 7 May 2020 by the new Congress of Peru sworn on 16 March 2020, since in Peru the resignation of the vice president has to be accepted by Congress and that institution was not celebrating meetings given its dissolution.{{cite news|url=https://gestion.pe/peru/politica/congreso-acepta-renuncia-de-mercedes-araoz-a-la-segunda-vicepresidencia-de-la-republica-noticia/|title=Congreso acepta renuncia de Mercedes Aráoz a la segunda vicepresidencia de la República|trans-title=Congress accepts the resignation of Mercedes Aráoz to the second vice-presidency of the Republic|work=Gestión|language=es|date=7 May 2020|access-date=7 May 2020}}}} On 12 September 2020, renowned reporter Gustavo Gorriti wrote that Merino had contacted the Commanding General of the Peruvian Navy, Fernando Cerdán, notifying him that he was going to attempt to impeach Vizcarra and was hoping to assume the presidency.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-12|title=El Gobierno peruano califica de "golpismo" la moción de censura contra Vizcarra|url=https://www.abc.es/internacional/abci-gobierno-peruano-califica-golpismo-mocion-censura-contra-vizcarra-202009130155_noticia.html|access-date=2020-09-17|website=ABC|language=es}} Minister of Defense Jorge Chávez confirmed that Merino had tried to establish support with the Peruvian military. A second report was later released that Merino had contacted officials throughout Peru's government while preparing to create a transitional cabinet.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-15|title=Incháustegui confirma que allegados a Acción Popular lo contactaron para integrar gabinete de Merino [VIDEO]|url=https://larepublica.pe/politica/2020/09/14/congreso-ministro-miguel-inchaustegui-confirma-que-miembros-de-bancada-accion-popular-le-pidieron-integrar-gabinete-de-manuel-merino/|access-date=2020-09-17|publisher=La República|language=es}} Following the release of these reports, support for impeaching Vizcarra decreased among members of congress, with congress voting not to remove Vizcarra from the presidency.{{Cite news|date=19 September 2020|title=Peru President Vizcarra survives impeachment vote|website=Bangkok Post|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1988203/peru-president-vizcarra-survives-impeachment-vote|access-date=19 September 2020}}

{{Main|Removal of Martín Vizcarra}}

File:Message to the Nation from Martín Vizcarra Cornejo - 9 November 2020.png

After the first attempt failed, the Union for Peru bench raised a new vacancy request in October 2020, based on the alleged acts of corruption committed by Vizcarra when he was regional Governor of Moquegua, which includes the testimony of an applicant to an effective collaborator in the "Construction Club Case" who stated that the Obrainsa company paid him 1 million soles and three other aspiring effective collaborators also point out that he received 1.3 million soles from the Ingenieros Civiles y Contractors Generales SA consortium (ICCGSA), and Incot for the tender of the project for the construction of the Regional Hospital of Moquegua in 2013.{{Cite web|last=Ayma|first=Diego|date=20 October 2020|title=Presentan nueva moción de vacancia contra el Presidente de la República|trans-title=They present a new vacancy motion against the President of the Republic|url=https://rpp.pe/politica/congreso/martin-vizcarra-upp-alcanza-firmas-para-presentar-mocion-de-vacancia-presidencial-noticia-1299692|access-date=11 November 2020|publisher=RPP Noticias|language=es}} On 2 November, impeachment was initiated by the Congress of Peru with 60 votes in favor, 40 against and 18 abstentions. Vizcarra attended the plenary session in Congress on 9 November to defend himself against the accusations.{{Cite web|date=2 November 2020|title=Vizcarra deberá ir al Congreso este lunes 9 de noviembre para defenderse por moción de vacancia|trans-title=Vizcarra must go to Congress this Monday, November 9 to defend himself by motion of vacancy|url=https://gestion.pe/peru/politica/vacancia-vizcarra-debera-ir-al-congreso-este-lunes-9-de-noviembre-para-defenderse-por-mocion-de-vacancia-nndc-noticia/|access-date=11 November 2020|publisher=Gestión|language=es}}

On 9 November 2020, a total of 105 members of Congress voted to remove Vizcarra from office, exceeding the 87 votes (out of 130) that were still needed to impeach him. Merino, who succeeded him as president the following day, with a mandate to serve as president until July 2021.{{Cite news|date=10 November 2020|title=Peru plunged into political upheaval as Congress ousts President Vizcarra|website=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/10/americas/peru-martin-vizcarra-president-impeachment-intl/index.html|access-date=11 November 2020}} Vizcarra called the accusations baseless and false, but still accepted the vote by Congress and promised not to take any other legal action.{{Cite news|date=10 November 2020|title=Peru's president Martín Vizcarra ousted in impeachment vote|website=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/10/impeachment-kicks-out-president-martin-vizcarra-of-peru|access-date=11 November 2020}}

File:Protesta contra la vacancia presidencial en Trujillo, Perú - Nov. 9 2020.webm following the removal of Vizcarra on 9 November]]

President Martín Vizcarra was summoned to testify and present his defense to Congress at 10 am PET. After hours of parliamentary debate, the Congress of Peru voted to convict the President with 105 votes in favor, surpassing the 87 vote threshold for conviction.{{Cite web|date=2 November 2020|title=Vizcarra deberá ir al Congreso este lunes 9 de noviembre para defenderse por moción de vacancia|trans-title=Vizcarra must go to Congress this Monday, November 9 to defend himself by motion of vacancy|url=https://gestion.pe/peru/politica/vacancia-vizcarra-debera-ir-al-congreso-este-lunes-9-de-noviembre-para-defenderse-por-mocion-de-vacancia-nndc-noticia/|access-date=10 November 2020|publisher=Gestión|language=es}} Following the vote, crowds began to gather at Plaza San Martín in protest.{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/vacancia-presidencial-convocan-manifestantes-se-reunen-en-plaza-san-martin-tras-destitucion-de-martin-vizcarra-noticia/ |title=Colectivos convocan manifestaciones en Plaza San Martín y otros puntos tras vacancia a Martín Vizcarra |trans-title=Collectives call demonstrations in Plaza San Martín and other points after Martín Vizcarra's vacancy |publisher=Perú21 |date=9 November 2020|access-date=10 November 2020 |language=es}} An incident occurred in Plaza Bolívar, outside of Congress, in which congressman Ricardo Burga was assaulted by a protestor when giving a press conference regarding the impeachment vote.{{Cite web|url=https://gestion.pe/peru/politica/vocero-alterno-de-accion-popular-es-agredido-cuando-brindaba-declaraciones-en-el-congreso-video-nndc-noticia/ |title=Vocero alterno de Acción Popular es agredido cuando brindaba declaraciones en el Congreso |trans-title=Alternate spokesperson for Popular Action is attacked while giving statements in Congress |publisher=Gestión |date=9 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020 |language=es}} Demonstrations spawned in other parts of the country and continued well into midnight, past the 11 p.m. curfew imposed by the government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru.{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/peru/arequipa/vacancia-presidencial-protestas-se-registran-en-algunas-regiones-del-pais-tras-decision-del-congreso-noticia-1303388 |title=Martín Vizcarra: Así fueron las protestas en varias ciudades del país tras vacancia del presidente |trans-title=Martín Vizcarra: This is how the protests were in several cities of the country after the president's vacancy |publisher=RPP Noticias|date=9 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020 |language=es}}

Following the inauguration of congressional leader Manuel Merino as president, demonstrations increased from early in the morning to the evening. Under the slogan "Merino does not represent me", from early in the morning they began to mobilize in the direction of the Legislative Palace, which was stopped by the National Police of Peru (NPP).{{Cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2020/11/10/manifestantes-marchan-al-congreso-contra-la-asuncion-del-nuevo-presidente-de-peru/ |title=Manifestantes marchan al Congreso contra la asunción del nuevo presidente de Perú |trans-title=Protesters march to Congress against the inauguration of the new president of Peru |publisher=Infobae |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020 |language=es}}

A large number of protesters were mobilized to Plaza San Martín, where the NPP impeded protestors using tear gas and making multiple arrests.{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/vacancia-presidencial-de-martin-vizcarra-policia-contiene-avance-de-manifestantes-hacia-el-congreso-video-nndc-noticia/ |title=Policía contiene a manifestantes que buscan llegar al Congreso para protestar tras vacancia a Vizcarra |trans-title=Police contain protesters seeking to reach Congress to protest after Vizcarra's vacancy |publisher=Perú21 |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020 |language=es}} There were other confrontations between protesters and the NPP in Jirón de la Unión, while the former were dispersed when trying to approach en masse the Government Palace of Peru.{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/lima/actualidad/vacancia-presidencial-bombas-lacrimogenas-y-perdigones-se-registran-disturbios-durante-protesta-noticia-1303482 |title=Bombas lacrimógenas y perdigones: Se registran disturbios durante protesta contra vacancia |publisher=RPP Noticias|date=10 November 2020|access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} Various demonstrations and arrests were recorded in regions and cities of the country, such as Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Huancayo and Iquitos.{{Cite web|url=https://portaldiverso.com/merino-no-me-representa-peruanos-protestan-contra-la-juramentacion-del-nuevo-mandatario-y-la-destitucion-de-vizcarra/ |title="Merino no me representa": Peruanos protestan contra la juramentación del nuevo mandatario y la destitución de Vizcarra |trans-title="Merino does not represent me": Peruvians protest against the swearing in of the new president and the removal of Vizcarra |publisher=Portal Diverso |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} Hundreds of people gathered in the main squares and streets of Huancayo, Cuzco, Apurímac, Tacna and Puno.{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/peru-al-dia-protestas-en-diversas-regiones-del-pais-en-contra-de-la-vacancia-presidencial-noticia-1303478 |title=Perú al día: Protestas en diversas regiones del país en contra de la vacancia presidencial |trans-title=Peru up to date: Protests in various regions of the country against the presidential vacancy |publisher=RPP Noticias |date=10 November 2020|access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} In Lima there were at least 16 arrested, according to Congresswoman Carolina Lizárraga.{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/policiales/manuel-merino-martin-vizcarra-congresista-carolina-lizarraga-afirma-que-al-menos-16-personas-han-sido-intervenidas-y-llevadas-a-comisarias-durante-protestas-nndc-noticia/ |title=Congresista Carolina Lizárraga afirma que, al menos, 16 personas han sido intervenidas y llevadas a comisarías durante protestas |trans-title=Congresswoman Carolina Lizárraga affirms that at least 16 people have been intervened and taken to police stations during protests |publisher=Perú21 |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=11 November 2020 |language=es}}

In the morning, news outlets reported that Merino called his predecessor's Minister of Internal Affairs, César Gentile, suggesting that he was concerned that the protests were not being controlled. Gentile responded to Merino's hint by exclaiming "I am no longer the Minister of the Interior!" and resigning the post in his phone call with Merino.{{Cite web|date=12 November 2020|title=Cómo derrocar un Presidente|url=https://www.idl-reporteros.pe/como-derrocar-un-presidente-1/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=IDL-Reporteros|quote=Spanish: Aposentado en Palacio, respaldado por una organización de ultraderecha con una larga lista de almirantes, ... Merino ha pasado su primera noche como ‘presidente’ English: Resting in the Palace, backed by a far-right organization with a long list of admirals, ... Merino has spent his first night as 'president'}}

As a way to maintain measures of social distancing, hundreds of protesters in Lima and the other major cities of the country carried out cacerolazos in multi-family residential buildings and "honks" in the streets against the Merino and in support of the ousted president Martín Vizcarra.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/es/per%C3%BA-manifestaciones-y-cacerolazos-contra-manuel-merino/a-55571514 |title=Perú: manifestaciones y cacerolazos contra Manuel Merino |trans-title=Peru: demonstrations and cacerolazos against Manuel Merino |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=12 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}}

During this day, there were peaceful demonstrations in city center of Lima,{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/manuel-merino-miles-de-ciudadanos-protestan-en-diversos-puntos-de-lima-en-contra-de-su-gestion-y-la-vacancia-presidencial-fotos-noticia-1303776 |title=Miles de ciudadanos protestan en diversos puntos de Lima en contra de Merino y la vacancia |trans-title=Thousands of citizens protest in various parts of Lima against Merino and the vacancy |publisher=RPP Noticias |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} and other districts such as Miraflores{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/manuel-merino-protestas-contra-manuel-merino-se-extienden-en-el-cercado-de-lima-y-en-miraflores-fotos-nndc-noticia/ |title=Protestas contra Manuel Merino se extienden en el Cercado de Lima y en Miraflores |trans-title=Protests against Manuel Merino spread in the Cercado de Lima and in Miraflores |publisher=Perú21 |location=Lima |date=11 November 2020|access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} and Surco, where groups of young people came to the front of the National Superintendence of University Education (SUNEDU) to demand that SUNEDU respect the autonomy in the licensing of universities and the autonomy of this institution.{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/vacancia-presidencial-jovenes-protestan-frente-a-sunedu-para-que-se-respete-autonomia-en-licenciamiento-de-universidades-antero-flores-araoz-nndc-noticia/ |title=Jóvenes protestan frente a Sunedu para que se respete autonomía en licenciamiento de universidades |trans-title=Jóvenes protestan frente a Sunedu para que se respete autonomía en licenciamiento de universidades |publisher=Perú21 |date=11 November 2020|access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} In Huancavelica, about 5,000 residents tried to take control of the Mantaro hydroelectric plant, they were dispersed with tear gas bombs thrown by the police.{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/peru/huancavelica/huancavelica-pobladores-intentan-tomar-central-hidroelectrica-del-mantaro-video-noticia-1303749 |title=Huancavelica: Pobladores intentan tomar central hidroeléctrica del Mantaro |trans-title=Huancavelica: Villagers try to take over the Mantaro hydroelectric plant |publisher=RPP Noticias |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} In Puerto Maldonado, more than twenty people were detained and one journalist was injured during demonstrations.{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/peru/madre-de-dios/puerto-maldonado-mas-de-20-detenidos-y-un-periodista-herido-en-protesta-contra-manuel-merino-noticia-1303786 |title=Puerto Maldonado: Más de 20 detenidos y un periodista herido en protesta contra Manuel Merino |trans-title=Puerto Maldonado: More than 20 detainees and a journalist injured in protest against Manuel Merino |publisher=RPP Noticias |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}}

The Justice and Human Rights Commission of the Congress of the Republic refused to summon the Deputy Commander General of the National Police of Peru to testify for the arrests in the midst of the protests.{{Cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/politica/2020/11/11/rechazan-citar-a-jefe-de-la-pnp-por-detenciones-en-protestas-contra-merino/ |title=Rechazan citar a jefe de la PNP por detenciones en protestas contra Merino |trans-title=They refuse to cite the head of the PNP for arrests in protests against Merino |publisher=La Républica |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}}

File:2020 Peruvian protests - 12 November Plaza San Martin video.webm

The National March, beginning at 5 pm PET, occurred throughout Peru to demand the resignation of President Manuel Merino, with a primary location being at Plaza San Martín.{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/vacancia-presidencial-convocan-a-marcha-nacional-para-este-jueves-en-la-plaza-san-martin-para-pedir-la-salida-del-presidente-manuel-merino-cercado-de-lima-martin-vizcarra-noticia/ |title=Convocan a marcha nacional este jueves en la Plaza San Martín para pedir la salida del presidente Manuel Merino |trans-title=They call for a national march this Thursday in Plaza San Martín to request the departure of President Manuel Merino |publisher=Perú21 |date=12 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} Richard Cisneros, who was the singer involved in Vizcarra's first impeachment scandal, arrived at the plaza minutes before the march began, angering protesters who threw objects at him until he took refuge inside a nearby fast food store.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-12|title=Richard Swing fue agredido con botellas por manifestantes y fue obligado a salir de la plaza San Martín nndc {{!}} LIMA|url=https://elcomercio.pe/lima/sucesos/richard-swing-fue-agredido-con-botellas-por-manifestantes-y-fue-obligado-a-salir-de-la-plaza-san-martin-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=El Comercio|language=es}} The newly named Minister of Justice, Delia Muñoz, described calls for protests as "propaganda" while new Minister of Labor Juan Sheput falsely said "the protests are waning" and told the public that businesses would be hurt by the protests.{{Cite web|date=12 November 2020|title="No sé qué les fastidia", dice el primer ministro de Perú ante las masivas protestas|url=https://es.noticias.yahoo.com/masivas-marchas-per%C3%BA-rechazo-gobierno-023826178.html|access-date=2020-11-13|website=EFE|language=es-ES|quote=Spanish: ... un Ejecutivo de "ancha base" pero que finalmente es de corte conservador, con miembros de derecha y ultraderecha. English: ... an Executive with a "broad base" but that is ultimately conservative, with members of the right and far right.}}

Protests occurred in the major cities of Peru, including Arequipa, Chiclayo, Chimbote, Cuzco, Huaraz, Iquitos, Lima, Tacna, Trujillo and Tumbes.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-13|title=EN VIVO {{!}} Ciudadanos participan en Marcha Nacional contra Gobierno de Manuel Merino|url=https://rpp.pe/politica/gobierno/en-vivo-cuidadanos-participan-en-marcha-nacional-contra-gobierno-de-manuel-merino-live-703|access-date=2020-11-14|website=RPP|language=es}}{{Cite web|last=PERÚ|first=NOTICIAS EL COMERCIO|date=2020-11-13|title=Marcha nacional contra Vacancia Presidencial: así se desarrolló la protesta en la capital y todo el Perú {{!}} Manuel Merino {{!}} Martín Vizcarra {{!}} Presidente del Perú {{!}} {{!}} LIMA|url=https://elcomercio.pe/lima/marcha-nacional-contra-la-vacancia-en-vivo-protestas-contra-manuel-merino-para-hoy-en-todo-el-pais-vacancia-presidencial-martin-vizcarra-presidente-del-peru-en-directo-online-transmision-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=El Comercio Perú|language=es}} In Cuzco, at least 18,000 people gathered in the city square where dancers and bands performed among the crowds.{{Cite web|last=Redacción|date=2020-11-12|title=Cusco: Con danzas y música tradicional realizan protesta contra gobierno de Manuel Merino|url=https://rpp.pe/peru/cusco/cusco-con-danzas-y-musica-tradicional-realizan-protesta-contra-gobierno-de-manuel-merino-noticia-1303979|access-date=2020-11-14|website=RPP|language=es}} Merino's home state of Tumbes saw more than a thousand protestors against his government.{{Cite web|title=Demonstrations in Tumbes|url=https://www.facebook.com/NoticiasTumbes20/posts/2843536975911592?_rdc=1&_rdr|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Tumbes News|language=en}} Protesters in Tacna demanded a radical change in what they described as a neoliberal Constitution and expressed their rejection of the government of Manuel Merino.{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-13|title=Tacna {{!}} Marcha Nacional {{!}} Manuel Merino {{!}} protesta {{!}} Piden cambio de Constitución en Marcha Nacional contra gobierno de Merino {{!}} VIDEO {{!}} nnpp {{!}} PERU|url=https://peru21.pe/peru/tacna-marcha-nacional-manuel-merino-protesta-piden-cambio-de-constitucion-en-marcha-nacional-contra-gobierno-de-merino-video-nnpp-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Peru21|language=es}}

In Lima, the large crowds overwhelmed police who began to indiscriminately disperse tear gas at protesters. In an incident caught on video, an alleged undercover TERNA agent of the National Police of Peru fires his weapon into the air to repel protesters who were following him.{{Cite web|last=Acosta|first=Sebastián|date=2020-11-13|title=Presunto agente del Grupo Terna realizó disparo al aire ante manifestantes que le increpaban por infiltrarse|url=https://rpp.pe/lima/actualidad/presunto-agente-del-grupo-terna-realizo-disparo-al-aire-ante-manifestantes-que-le-increpaban-por-infiltrarse-noticia-1304016|access-date=2020-11-14|website=RPP|language=es}}

Popular Action congressman Hans Troyes revealed that representatives from his party were under pressure from its alternate spokesman, Ricardo Burga, to vote in favor of Vizcarra's removal under threat of not having certain projects they favored processed.{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/martin-vizcarra-congresista-de-accion-popular-nos-dijeron-que-no-nos-iban-a-firmar-proyectos-si-no-votabamos-a-favor-de-la-vacancia-nndc-noticia/?tmp_ad=30seg|title = Martín Vizcarra | Congresista de Acción Popular: Nos dijeron que no nos iban a firmar proyectos si no votábamos a favor de la vacancia NNDC | POLITICA|date = 12 November 2020}}

Merino's prime minister, Ántero Flores Aráoz, thanked the National Police for their response to protests stating "I thank you for always proceeding in compliance with human rights and protocol, logically avoiding harm, but reacting when you have to react."{{Cite web|date=2020-11-13|title=Manuel Merino {{!}} Policía Nacional {{!}} Ántero Flores-Aráoz destaca accionar policial durante protestas: "En mí siempre encontrarán un defensor y les agradezco" {{!}} VIDEO nndc {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/manuel-merino-policia-nacional-antero-flores-araoz-destaca-accionar-policial-durante-protestas-en-mi-siempre-encontraran-un-defensor-y-les-agradezco-video-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Peru21|language=es}}

During the afternoon, some protesters in the City of Lima, went to march to different media that were recognized in the country, some like América TV, Latina Televisión, ATV and Panamericana Television. This after the accusation of different political personalities, who said that the citizen demonstrations were from small sectors and would not have much relevance, including also due to the denunciation of some journalists from TV Peru who manifested attacks against freedom of expression by of the Government to minimize the marches that occurred in the country. Days later, some protesters came to march in front of the channel Willax Television, after some attacks by some journalists against the protesters.

In the evening, cacerolazos occurred and at Merino's home in San Borja District, protesters used a projector on his apartment building shining images denouncing him.{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-14|title=San Borja: proyectan rostro de Manuel Merino en su vivienda pidiendo que deje la presidencia {{!}} Vacancia presidencial {{!}} Ántero Flores-Aráoz nndc {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/san-borja-proyectan-rostro-de-manuel-merino-en-su-vivienda-pidiendo-que-deje-la-presidencia-vacancia-presidencial-antero-flores-araoz-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Peru21|language=es}} Protesters attempted to march to Flores Aráoz's home in La Molina District, though several streets surrounding the area were blocked by National Police, resulting in clashes.{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-14|title=Manuel Merino {{!}} La Molina: enfrentamiento entre Policía y manifestantes tras llegar a la casa de Ántero Flores-Aráoz {{!}} Vacancia presidencial {{!}} fotos nndc {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/manuel-merino-la-molina-enfrentamiento-entre-policia-y-manifestantes-tras-llegar-a-la-casa-de-antero-flores-araoz-vacancia-presidencial-fotos-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Peru21|language=es}}

File:Protestas en contra del golpe de estado parlamentario 7.jpg on 14 November]]

A second National March occurred against the Merino government, with tens of thousands of demonstrators gathering throughout Peru.{{Cite news|date=2020-11-15|title=Peru impeachment protests: Clashes with police turn deadly|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-54948810|access-date=2020-11-15}} Protesters attempted to march to the Legislative Palace and were blocked by police, with authorities firing tear gas into the crowd while some demonstrators fired fireworks at officers.{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-15|title=Policías lanzan bombas lacrimógenas a manifestantes en Av. Abancay durante marcha contra Manuel Merino {{!}} FOTOS {{!}} nndc {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/policias-lanzan-bombas-lacrimogenas-a-manifestantes-en-av-abancay-durante-marcha-contra-manuel-merino-fotos-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-15|website=Peru21|language=es}} Percy Castillo, a representative of the ombudsman, called for the cessation of tear gas usage, stating "Our staff have also been affected by gas, if there has been no motivation, there is no justification for tear gas. It is a demand of the ombudsman".

At least two died during clashes, with the father of Jordán Inti Sotelo Camargo, who was killed earlier that day, saying in an interview "Four pellets. He was bleeding from a gunshot wound to the heart and his heart has exploded. ... Ántero Flores-Aráoz said 'nothing happens, nothing happens' here something is happening, my 24-year-old son, a tourism student, is dead, ... Gentlemen, I ask you from the bottom of my heart to retire".{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-15|title=Inti Sotelo Camargo {{!}} Padre de la segunda víctima en protesta: Flores-Aráoz decía no pasa nada y ahora mi hijo está muerto' {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/inti-sotelo-camargo-padre-de-la-segunda-victima-en-protesta-flores-araoz-decia-no-pasa-nada-y-ahora-mi-hijo-esta-muerto-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-15|website=Peru21|language=es}} When news reports emerged of the deaths, spontaneous cacerolazos and shouting condemning Merino began in Lima.

Following the reports of deaths, resignations of multiple Merino government officials begin to occur, these included:{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/crisis-political-titular-del-interior-y-la-mayoria-de-ministros-renuncia-a-gabinete-de-antero-flores-araoz-noticia/ |title=Titular del Interior y la mayoría de ministros renuncia a Gabinete de Ántero Flores-Aráoz |trans-title=Head of the Interior and the majority of ministers resign from the Cabinet of Ántero Flores-Aráoz |website=Perú21 |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |language=es}}{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/manuel-merino-guillermo-aliaga-renuncio-a-la-primera-vicepresidencia-del-congreso-de-la-republica-nndc-noticia/ |title=Manuel Merino {{!}} Guillermo Aliaga renunció a la primera vicepresidencia del Congreso de la República |trans-title=Manuel Merino {{!}} Guillermo Aliaga resigned as the first vice president of the Congress of the Republic |website=Perú21 |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |language=es}}{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/patricia-teullet-renuncio-al-ministerio-de-la-mujer-patricia-teullet-ministerio-de-la-mujer-manuel-merino-gran-marcha-nacional-noticia/ |title=Patricia Teullet renunció al ministerio de la mujer {{!}} Patricia Teullet {{!}} Ministerio de la mujer {{!}} Manuel Merino {{!}} Gran Marcha Nacional |trans-title=Patricia Teullet resigned from the women's ministry {{!}} Patricia Teullet {{!}} Ministry of women {{!}} Manuel Merino {{!}} Great National March |website=Perú21 |date=15 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |language=es}}

{{Columns-list|* Minister of the Interior – Gastón Rodríguez

• Minister of Justice – Delia Muñoz
• Minister of Health – Abel Salinas
• Minister of Economy and Finance – José Arista
• Minister of Education – Fernando D'Alessio
• Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism – Mara Seminario
• Minister of Women – Patricia Teullet
• Minister of Development and Social Inclusion – Federico Tong
• Minister of Culture – María del Carmen Reparaz
• Minister of Energy – Carlos Herrera Descalzi
• Minister of Housing – Hilda Sandoval|colwidth=20em|style=3|small=yes}}

Prime Minister Ántero Flores-Araóz refused to resign, stating "The president took me as premier, if he stays, I'll stay with him, if he leaves and resigns, I'll go with him".{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-15|title=Ántero Flores-Araóz: "Cuando renuncie el señor Manuel Merino en ese instante me voy yo" {{!}} POLITICA|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/antero-flores-araoz-cuando-renuncie-el-senor-manuel-merino-en-ese-instante-me-voy-yo-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-15|website=Peru21|language=es}} The prime minister also supported the actions of authorities, saying "I defend the police because they attack them and it is unfortunate for everyone. It is not a question of who did this or that" and "The demonstrations end very badly because there are antisocial people and there have been acts not only of violence but also of destruction of public, private, and commercial works".{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-15|title=Premier Ántero Flores-Aráoz: "Las manifestaciones terminan muy mal porque hay gente antisocial" {{!}} Ántero Flores-Aráoz {{!}} Gran Marcha Nacional {{!}} Congreso {{!}} Manuel Merino {{!}} POLITICA|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/premier-antero-flores-araoz-las-manifestaciones-terminan-muy-mal-porque-hay-gente-antisocial-antero-flores-araoz-gran-marcha-nacional-congreso-manuel-merino-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-15|website=Peru21|language=es}}

Merino called for the heads of the armed forces to attend an emergency meeting at the Government Palace, though they refused in what The Washington Post described as "[t]he final straw" of Merino's presidency.{{Cite news|last=Tegel|first=Simeon|title=Protests turn to celebrations as Peru's interim president offers resignation|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/peru-president-merino-resigns-vizcarra/2020/11/15/47cb0a54-275c-11eb-92b7-6ef17b3fe3b4_story.html|access-date=2020-12-06|issn=0190-8286|quote=Like his cabinet, made up largely of aging far-right politicians, Merino had appeared incapable of comprehending the fury of the protesters}} Calls from congress for Merino's consideration of resigning also occur, with president of congress Luis Valdez stating that the Board of Spokespersons would meet on 15 November at 8:00 am PET to discuss Merino's possible resignation.

In the early morning, speculation of Merino fleeing the country emerged after it was reported that Jorge Chávez International Airport was closed by its operator, Lima Airport Partners.{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-15|title=Marcha Nacional muertos {{!}} Aeropuerto Jorge Chávez está cerrado y niega posible fuga del país de Manuel Merino {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/marcha-nacional-muertos-aeropuerto-jorge-chavez-esta-cerrado-y-niega-posible-fuga-del-pais-de-manuel-merino-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-15|website=Peru21|language=es}} Merino later appeared before congress and presented his resignation, only five days after taking office.

The funeral procession and burial of Inti Sotelo occurred in the cemetery Campo Fe in Huachipa. Words of his mother: "my son said goodbye to me and told me. I'm going to give my life for my country."

During the evening hours, protesters marched demanding a new constitution and called for justice of those injured and killed during demonstrations.{{cite news |title=Peru's new president sworn in, calls for calm after protests |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/17/perus-new-president-sworn-in-calls-for-calm-after-protests |access-date=18 November 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |date=17 November 2020 |language=en}}

File:2020 Peruvian protests - SH3.jpg

Francisco Sagasti was officially inaugurated as President of Peru, with his first act as president being a minute of silence for the two young men killed during the protests, stating, "Let it be my first words to ask for a minute of silence in tribute to young citizens Jack Bryan Pintado Sánchez and Jordan Inti Sotelo Camargo, unfortunately killed during the last days of citizen mobilization, carried out in legitimate exercise of the fundamental right to protest".{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-18|title=Francisco Sagasti asume compromisos para su gobierno de transición {{!}} POLITICA|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/francisco-sagasti-asume-compromisos-para-su-gobierno-de-transicion-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Peru21|language=es}} After the minute of silence, he spoke to the parents of the deceased seated in congress, "On behalf of the State, we apologize to their families, to them and to all the young people who marched to defend democracy, and who made us remember what the vocation of service is".

President Sagasti officially appointed members of his cabinet and Violeta Bermúdez is appointed the new Prime Minister.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-peru-politics/peru-president-picks-new-cabinet-to-ease-protests-market-fears-idUKKBN27Z03Q|title=Peru President picks new Cabinet to ease protests, market fears|publisher=Reuters|access-date=18 November 2020}} Protests continued despite the removal of Merino from office, with protesters demanding the creation of a constituent assembly and more labor rights.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-19 |title=Con primera ministra a la cabeza, así es el nuevo gabinete de Francisco Sagasti en Perú |url=https://www.france24.com/es/am%C3%A9rica-latina/20201119-peru-nuevo-gabinete-ministerial-sagasti-violeta-bermudez |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=France 24}} However, protesters whose motives were originally praised by the media were described as terrucos when they began to make labor rights demands.{{Cite journal |last=Mitrovic |first=Mijail |date=30 December 2021 |title=At the fabric of history: Peru's political struggle under (and against) the pandemic |journal=Dialectical Anthropology |volume=45 |issue=4 |pages=431–446|doi=10.1007/s10624-021-09634-5 |pmid=34980936 |pmc=8716181 }}

Protesters gather in Plaza San Martín a week after the two deaths occur, demanding justice for the men killed and calling for a new constitution.{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-22|title=Cercado de Lima: Protestas continúan y piden justicia para las víctimas [FOTOS] nndc {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/cercado-de-lima-manifestantes-piden-nueva-constitucion-y-justicia-para-las-victimas-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-22|website=Peru21|language=es}} President Sagasti tells protesters that he will ensure their safety and prohibit the National Police from confronting peaceful protesters.

Agricultural worker rights protests begin in the Ica Province, a major location for agriculture in Peru.{{Cite news|date=2020-12-02|title=Ministro peruano renuncia al gobierno interino tras cambio en la cúpula policial|language=es|work=Reuters|url=https://es.reuters.com/article/politica-peru-ministro-idESKBN28C37L|access-date=2020-12-03}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web|last=Flores|first=José|date=2020-12-02|title=Ica: Protestas de trabajadores agrarios llegan a su tercer día con bloqueos y diálogo frustrado con el Gobierno|url=https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/ica-protestas-de-trabajadores-agrarios-llegan-a-su-tercer-dia-con-bloqueos-y-dialogo-frustrado-con-el-gobierno-noticia-1307396|access-date=2020-12-03|website=RPP (Peru)|language=es}} Hundreds of farm workers went on strike and blocked the Pan-American Highway, the country's main transportation artery, between Pisco and Ica while demanding better work conditions.

Commander General Orlando Velasco is removed from leading the National Police and replaced with General César Cervantes by President Sagasti following the response of the law enforcement agency during protests.{{Cite web|title=Renuncias en la Policía de Perú en rechazo a pesquisas por violencia|url=https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/renuncias-polic%C3%ADa-per%C3%BA-rechazo-pesquisas-004924603.html|access-date=2020-12-03|website=EFE|language=es-US}} Over a dozen high-ranked officers resign in disapproval of the decision and expanded investigations while some law enforcement officials called for a police strike.

Interior Minister Rubén Vargas resigns following the change to leadership within the National Police, with Cluber Aliaga being named his successor.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-08|title=Cluber Aliaga presentó su carta de renuncia al ministerio del Interior tras cinco días en el cargo {{!}} Cluber Aliaga {{!}} Ministerio del Interior {{!}} Francisco Sagasti {{!}} POLITICA|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/ministro-del-interior-cluber-aliaga-presenta-su-carta-de-renuncia-mininter-noticia/|access-date=2020-12-08|website=Peru21|language=es}}

Shortages of some products begin to occur in the Ica Province due to the agrarian protests.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-02|title=Ica: Reportan escasez y aumento en precio de pollo tras protestas {{!}} VIDEO {{!}} nnpp {{!}} PERU|url=https://peru21.pe/peru/ica-reportan-escasez-y-aumento-en-precio-de-pollo-tras-protestas-video-nnpp-noticia/|access-date=2020-12-03|website=Peru21|language=es}} Several trucks loaded with goods sat stranded on the Pan-American Highway due to blockages.

Strong protests occur in the Chao Valley and Virú Valley near Trujillo, with the Special Services Unit of the Peruvian National Police entering the area to remove roadblocks and disperse protesters. One worker protesting spoke to La República stating "We earn 39 soles ($10.85 USD) a day, we do not have job stability. ... We demand a salary for all for equality". An agricultural worker protesting in Virú was killed after being shot in the head.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-03|title=Paro agrario: convocan hoy a marcha nacional por muerte de joven|url=https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/2020/12/03/paro-agrario-convocan-a-marcha-nacional-por-fallecimiento-de-joven/|access-date=2020-12-04|website=La República|language=es-PE}}{{Cite web|date=2020-12-03|title=La Libertad: Muere un ciudadano durante protestas en Virú {{!}} PERU|url=https://peru21.pe/peru/la-libertad-muere-un-ciudadano-durante-protestas-en-viru-noticia/|access-date=2020-12-04|website=Peru21|language=es}} Following his death, calls for a national march were made among Peruvians to condemn his death and demand enhanced labor rights, with a protest being scheduled to occur the next day on 4 December. President Sagasti condemned the death, stating "We will investigate what happened, we do not want anyone to die for defending labor rights".

Miners in La Oroya District began to join protests, blocking a nearby part of the Pan-American Highway.{{Cite web|date=4 December 2020|title=Peru mine workers block highway as labour protests spread|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/4/peru-mine-workers-block-highway-labour-protests-spread|access-date=2020-12-06|website=Al Jazeera|language=en}} That night, congress voted to repeal the agrarian law and planned to meet later for a replacement bill.{{Cite web|last=PERÚ|first=Empresa Peruana de Servicios Editoriales S. A. EDITORA|title=Peru: Congress repeals Agrarian Promotion Law|url=https://andina.pe/ingles/noticia-peru-congress-repeals-agrarian-promotion-law-824082.aspx|access-date=2020-12-06|website=andina.pe|language=es}} Shortly after the act of congress, protests dissipated on the highway.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-05|title=El tránsito volvió a la normalidad tras cinco días de bloqueos y violencia {{!}} Panamericana Sur {{!}} Ica {{!}} La Libertad {{!}} Paro agrario {{!}} POLITICA|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/el-transito-volvio-a-la-normalidad-tras-cinco-dias-de-bloqueos-y-violencia-panamericana-sur-ica-la-libertad-paro-agrario-noticia/|access-date=2020-12-06|website=Peru21|language=es}}

The Peruvian Medical Federation (FMP) announces that it will begin an indefinite national strike in January 2021 after not receiving adequate responses from the Minister of Health.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-06|title=Federación Médica Peruana anuncia huelga nacional indefinida para enero de 2021 nndc {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/federacion-medica-peruana-anuncia-huelga-nacional-indefinida-para-enero-de-2021-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-12-06|website=Peru21|language=es}}

Cluber Aliaga – named Interior Minister just five days earlier – resigns in disagreement with President Sagasti, arguing that the use of force by police was justified due to alleged violence initiated by protesters and that the dismissal of eighteen generals of the National Police was done too quickly. José Elice Navarro of the Purple Party was named as the next Interior Minister.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-08|title=José Elice jura como nuevo ministro del Interior nndc {{!}} POLITICA|url=https://peru21.pe/politica/jose-elice-jura-como-nuevo-ministro-del-interior-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-12-08|website=Peru21|language=es}}

File:2020 Peruvian protests - injured protester.webm

During demonstrations on 12 November, the use of rubber bullets and tear gas was reported near the large protests in the Lima District.{{Cite web|last=GESTIÓN|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-10|title=Vacancia presidencial {{!}} Dispersan con gases lacrimógenos a manifestantes que marchan contra Manuel Merino en el Cercado de Lima {{!}} FOTOS {{!}} {{!}} Martín Vizcarra {{!}} Plaza San Martín nndc {{!}} PERU|url=https://gestion.pe/peru/vacancia-presidencial-dispersan-con-gases-lacrimogenos-a-manifestantes-que-marchan-contra-manuel-merino-en-el-cercado-de-lima-fotos-martin-vizcarra-plaza-san-martin-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Gestión|language=es}}{{Cite web|last=PERU21|first=NOTICIAS|date=2020-11-11|title=Manuel Merino Vacancia de Martín Vizcarra: Policía confirma uso de perdigones de goma para controlar protestas en el Cercado de Lima nndc {{!}} LIMA|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/policiales/manuel-merino-vacancia-de-martin-vizcarra-policia-confirma-uso-de-perdigones-de-goma-para-controlar-protestas-en-el-cercado-de-lima-nndc-noticia/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Peru21|language=es}} Reports emerged that protesters and journalists were injured from authorities firing rubber bullets. The Press and Society Institute (IPYS) condemned the injuries of at least three journalists who were directly fired at by police{{Cite web|last=Acosta|first=Sebastián|date=2020-11-12|title=IPYS denuncia que tres periodistas resultaron heridos por accionar policial durante manifestaciones|url=https://rpp.pe/lima/actualidad/ipys-denuncia-que-tres-periodistas-resultaron-heridos-por-accionar-policial-durante-manifestaciones-noticia-1304012|access-date=2020-11-14|website=RPP|language=es}} while the Peruvian Press Council denounced the detention and attacks on at least twenty press workers.{{Cite web|date=13 November 2020|title=Consejo de la Prensa Peruana: más de 20 periodistas fueron detenidos y atacados por la PNP|url=https://gestion.pe/peru/politica/manuel-merino-consejo-de-la-prensa-peruana-mas-de-20-periodistas-fueron-detenidos-y-atacados-por-la-policia-nacional-nndc-noticia/?ref=gesr|access-date=14 November 2020|website=Gestión}} Two protesters were seriously injured, with a total of fourteen individuals reported injured, according to the Minister of Health.{{cite news |title=Dos heridos con armas de fuego en protestas en Perú, uno está grave |url=https://www.france24.com/es/minuto-a-minuto/20201113-dos-heridos-con-armas-de-fuego-en-protestas-en-per%C3%BA-uno-est%C3%A1-grave |access-date=14 November 2020 |work=France 24 |date=13 November 2020}}

The first deaths occur on 14 November, with two killed; a 25-year-old and Jordán Inti Sotelo Camargo, who was 24 years old. Both were killed after being shot by police. The third death was 19-year-old Jorge Yener Muñoz Jiménez, who was killed during agricultural labor rights protests on 3 December.

Amnesty International demanded on 10 November that the authorities stop the repression of the demonstrations and that people's rights be guaranteed.{{cite web|date=10 November 2020|title=Al menos 27 detenidos en el centro de Lima y manifestantes denuncian abuso y represión policial|trans-title=At least 27 detainees in the center of Lima and protesters denounce abuse and police repression|url=https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/vacancia-presidencial-al-menos-27-detenidos-en-el-centro-de-lima-y-manifestantes-denuncian-abuso-y-represion-policial-noticia-1303584|access-date=12 November 2020|publisher=RPP Noticias|location=Lima|language=es}}

File:Visita Peru 2020 (50672608383).jpg meeting in Lima on 2 December 2020]]

Following the National March on 12 November, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the United Nations Peru condemned the disproportional use of force by authorities. In a statement, the IACHR said, "According to the information received, the Police have used tear gas and pellets on a massive scale against protesters and journalists. This contravenes the IACHR standards on the right to protest" and that demanded the Merino government "to refrain from engaging in indiscriminate detention practices". Christian Sanchez, National Information Officer of United Nations Peru, described the protests as "mostly peaceful in nature", stating:

{{blockquote

| quote = "As a result of the police action in recent days, and particularly in the massive marches on Thursday 12, there have been injuries, including protesters and journalists. It is necessary to remember that the arbitrary and indiscriminate use of non-lethal weapons violates the principle of proportionality and violates international standards, which require precaution, necessity and proportionality in police action. Likewise, there have been violations of the detainees' right to due process, including arrests of adolescent protesters."

}}

Following the deaths on 14 November, Americas director for Amnesty International, Erika Guevara, stated, "We demand an end to the repression and the investigation and punishment for all the human rights violations which are being registered". Also that evening, Human Rights Watch director of the Americas José Miguel Vivanco also released a statement, saying, "We continue to document cases of police brutality in downtown Lima. Everything indicates that the repression against peaceful protesters is intensifying. The Police must suspend the use of pellets".{{Cite web|last=LR|first=Redacción|date=2020-11-15|title=Human Rights Watch anuncia que sigue de cerca el exceso policial en manifestaciones|url=https://larepublica.pe/mundo/2020/11/15/human-rights-watch-anuncia-que-sigue-de-cerca-el-exceso-policial-en-manifestaciones/|access-date=2020-11-15|website=larepublica.pe|language=es-PE}}

• Organization of American States – The OAS General Secretariat Luis Almagro expressed his concern about the current political situation in Peru, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|date=12 November 2020|title=La OEA pidió al Tribunal Constitucional de Perú que se pronuncie sobre la destitución del presidente Martín Vizcarra|trans-title=The OAS asked the Constitutional Court of Peru to rule on the removal of President Martín Vizcarra|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2020/11/12/la-oea-pidio-al-tribunal-constitucional-de-peru-que-se-pronuncie-sobre-la-destitucion-del-presidente-martin-vizcarra/|access-date=10 November 2020|publisher=Infobae|language=es}} The IACHR expressed its concern about the crisis generated after the vacancy of former President Vizcarra.{{Cite web|url=https://canaln.pe/actualidad/cidh-expresa-preocupacion-crisis-politica-peru-n427411 |title=La CIDH muestra "preocupación" ante la crisis política en el Perú |trans-title=The IACHR shows "concern" about the political crisis in Peru |website=canaln.pe |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020 |language=es}}
• United Nations – The United Nations said that it had found that plainclothes police officers had proceeded to arbitrary arrests during the protests, and expressed disapproval thereof.{{Cite web|url=https://elcomercio.pe/lima/sucesos/onu-derechos-humanos-policia-debe-abstenerse-de-usar-la-fuerza-de-manera-ilegal-excesiva-o-arbitraria-durante-protestas-martin-vizcarra-manuel-merino-nndc-noticia/ |title=ONU: la Policía debe abstenerse de usar la fuerza de "manera ilegal, excesiva o arbitraria" durante protestas |trans-title=UN: Police must refrain from using force “illegal, excessive or arbitrary” during protests |publisher=El Comercio |date=12 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |language=es}}

• Argentina – The foreign ministry stated "We trust in the commitment to carry out a democratic transition and to respect the ongoing electoral process", considering it a "difficult transition".{{Cite web|date=11 November 2020|title=Argentina confía en que el nuevo Gobierno peruano respete el "proceso electoral"|trans-title=Argentina trusts that the new Peruvian government respects the "electoral process"|url=https://www.eleconomistaamerica.com.ar/politica-eAm-ar/noticias/10882105/11/20/Argentina-confia-en-que-el-nuevo-Gobierno-peruano-respete-el-proceso-electoral.html|access-date=12 November 2020|website=eleconomistaamerica.com.ar|language=es|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117011451/https://www.eleconomistaamerica.com.ar/politica-eAm-ar/noticias/10882105/11/20/Argentina-confia-en-que-el-nuevo-Gobierno-peruano-respete-el-proceso-electoral.html|url-status=dead}}
• Brazil – The foreign ministry released a statement expressing support for the Merino government.{{Cite web|title=Situação no Peru|trans-title=Situation of Peru|url=https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/canais_atendimento/imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/situacao-no-peru|access-date=12 November 2020|website=itamaraty.gov.br|language=pt|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117011634/https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/canais_atendimento/imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/situacao-no-peru|url-status=dead}}
• Chile – The foreign ministry released a statement supporting President Merino.{{Cite web|title=Declaración del Gobierno de Chile por asunción de nuevo Presidente del Perú|trans-title=Declaration of the Government of Chile on the inauguration of the new President of Peru|url=https://minrel.gob.cl/noticias-anteriores/declaracion-del-gobierno-de-chile-por-asuncion-de-nuevo-presidente-del-peru|access-date=12 November 2020|website=minrel.gob.cl|language=es}}
• El Salvador – President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele released a statement saying that El Salvador does not recognize Merino's government, calling it a "coup government".{{Cite web|date=2020-11-15|title=Presidente de El Salvador: "No reconocemos al Gobierno golpista de Merino"|trans-title=El Salvador President: "We do not recognize the Merino's coup plotter government |url=https://larepublica.pe/mundo/2020/11/15/presidente-de-el-salvador-no-reconocemos-al-gobierno-golpista-de-merino/|access-date=2020-11-15|website=La Republica|language=es-PE}}
• Paraguay – The foreign ministry released a statement supporting President Merino.{{Cite web|title=Paraguay expresa deseos de éxito al presidente de Perú y al proceso electoral|trans-title=Paraguay expresses wishes of success to the president of Peru and the electoral process|url=https://www.mre.gov.py/index.php/noticias-de-embajadas-y-consulados/paraguay-expresa-deseos-de-exito-al-presidente-de-peru-y-al-proceso-electoral|access-date=12 November 2020|website=mre.gov.py|language=es}}
• Uruguay – The foreign ministry released a statement supporting President Merino.{{Cite web|title=Nuevo Presidente de la República del Perú|trans-title=New President of the Republic of Peru|url=https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-relaciones-exteriores/comunicacion/noticias/nuevo-presidente-republica-del-peru|access-date=12 November 2020|publisher=Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores|language=es}}
• Venezuela – Disputed President Nicolás Maduro expressed support for the protesters and youth of Peru.{{cite news |title=Crisis en Perú: Nicolás Maduro hizo un chiste y dijo que si quieren manda a Juan Guaidó para que se autoproclame presidente |trans-title= Crisis in Peru: Nicolás Maduro made a joke and said that if they want to, he'd send Juan Guaidó to proclaim himself president|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/crisis-peru-presidente-martin-vizcarra-manuel-merino-nid2511402 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=La Nacion |date=16 November 2020|language=es}}

The Ombudsman's Office pointed out that the police should make a proportionate use of force and should not exceed it.{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/politica/actualidad/defensoria-del-pueblo-exigio-a-la-policia-no-hacer-uso-desproporcionado-de-la-fuerza-en-las-marchas-contra-la-vacancia-presidencial-noticia-1303415 |title=Defensoría del Pueblo exigió a la Policía no hacer uso desproporcionado de la fuerza en las marchas contra la vacancia presidencial |trans-title=Ombudsman's Office demanded that the Police not use disproportionate force in the marches against the presidential vacancy |publisher=RPP Noticias |location=Lima |date=9 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} The Public Ministry ordered the prosecutors to carry out urgent actions to guarantee the rights of the people during the days of protests.{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/manuel-merino-ministerio-publico-ordeno-que-fiscales-garanticen-los-derechos-de-personas-que-participan-en-protestas-nndc-noticia/?fbclid=IwAR1DVfLssbGRihjwZYWi5XiuxD6W1UGoWcRs7FdR_cXhnyxcV9XzQSVB9gY |title=Ministerio Público ordenó que fiscales garanticen los derechos de personas que participan en protestas |trans-title=Public Ministry ordered prosecutors to guarantee the rights of people who participate in protests |publisher=Perú21 |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}} The National Human Rights Coordinator denounced that the rights of people detained in police stations are not being respected. The National University of San Marcos, through a statement, indicated that it rejects "any political act that violates governance and constitutional order".{{Cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/2020/11/11/unmsm-emite-comunicado-sobre-actual-crisis-politica-y-reforma-universitaria/|title=UNMSM se pronuncia ante crisis política y pide priorizar la salud pública |trans-title=UNMSM speaks out in the face of political crisis and asks to prioritize public health |publisher=La República |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=es}}

The presidential pre-candidate Verónika Mendoza referred to the current situation, stating that if Manuel Merino assumes the presidency of Peru, his mandate will be illegitimate.{{Cite web|url=https://canaln.pe/actualidad/veronika-mendoza-si-senor-merino-asume-presidencia-su-mandato-ilegitimo-n427386 |title=Verónika Mendoza: Si el señor Merino asume la presidencia, su mandato será ilegítimo |trans-title=Verónika Mendoza: If Mr. Merino assumes the presidency, his mandate will be illegitimate |website=canaln.pe |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020 |language=es}}

The presidential pre-candidate Julio Guzmán, leader of the Purple Party, in the morning of November 10, 2020, stated the following on Twitter: "The Purple Party will not attend the swearing-in of Manuel Merino to the presidency of Peru. We will not participate in an illegitimate seizure of power".{{Cite web|url=https://exitosanoticias.pe/v1/partido-morado-no-asistira-a-toma-ilegitima-del-poder-segun-julio-guzman/ |title=Partido Morado no asistirá a 'toma ilegítima del poder', según Julio Guzmán |trans-title=The Purple Party will not attend the "illegitimate seizure of power," according to Julio Guzmán |publisher=Exitosa Noticias |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020 |language=es}}

Former president Ollanta Humala considers that it is foolish to impeach Martín Vizcarra given the situation in Peru, partly due to the pandemic, although he must be investigated.{{Cite web|url=https://wapa.pe/mujer/1592926-vacancia-martin-vizcarra-ollanta-humala-afirma-insensatez-pretender-vacar-presidente-actualidad-video |title=Ollanta Humala sobre vacancia contra Martín Vizcarra: 'Es una insensatez' |trans-title=Ollanta Humala on vacancy against Martín Vizcarra: "It is nonsense" |author=Jimena Ripalda |website=wapa.pe |date=9 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020}}

• 2017-present Peruvian political crisis
• 2022 Peruvian protests
• 2019 Bolivian political crisis
• 2019–20 Chilean protests
• 2019–2020 Colombian protests
• 2019 Ecuadorian protests
• Venezuelan presidential crisis

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{{Peruvian political crisis}}

Peruvian protests

Category:2020 in Peru

Category:Protests in Peru

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