Peruvian President’s Approval Keeps Sinking with Protests

Edited by Ivan Martínez
2015-06-16 12:18:30

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Lima, June 16 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Lima was the setting for three separate national public workers protests on Monday. Some 700 striking forensic doctors demonstrated, and 10,000 education administrative workers who have been on strike since June 4 gathered in protest, while primary and secondary school teachers from all provinces marched outside of Lima.

The protests coincided with the release of a poll by DATUM showing a drop in popularity of President Ollanta Humala showing only 14 percent of Peruvians approve of his performance. Comparing the results to last poll conducted by the same company, there was a 14 points drop in just one month. Also, the poll shows 82 percent of Peruvians are rejecting the president’s administration.

The common issue binding dozens of labor conflicts taking place across the country is low salaries. The protest movement is demanding the president implement policies which serve the people over private businesses after several social conflicts emerged after proposed mining projects.

The low popularity of the president comes after his handling of the Tía María anti-mining and pro-agriculture protests that left at least four dead, including protesters.

“We are here for a real increase in salaries for thousands of teachers,” said Lucio Jayo a public school teacher. “Almost 90 percent of teachers have their assets frozen.

For 20 years there hasn't been a real increase in salaries. Not in line with the cost of living. The cost of living has increased, but the different governments in office, including the current government, have frozen our salaries."



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