Peru's Youth Rise Up: Anti-Government Protests Unfold

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:10:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Frustrated young Peruvians clash with police in Lima, demanding change amid corruption scandals and insecurity.

In recent protests dubbed the 'Gen Z march', young Peruvians gathered in Lima to express their outrage over government corruption and rising crime rates. Clashes with police ensued, leading to injuries on both sides. The protests were spurred by a controversial pension reform and widespread dissatisfaction with President Dina Boluarte's administration, which has seen plummeting approval ratings. Protesters, chanting for a better future, were met with tear gas and rubber bullets as they attempted to breach security barriers around Congress.

Police and young anti-government protesters clashed in the Peruvian capital, Lima, over the weekend.

A rights group said at least 18 protesters had been injured in protests held on Saturday and Sunday, dubbed Gen Z march by the organisers. A police officer suffered burns, officials said.

Groups of young people, mainly under 30 years of age, marched towards Congress to express their anger over corruption scandals and growing insecurity.

The protesters, some of whom threw stones and other missiles, were dispersed by police firing tear gas and rubber bullets, according to reports.

The protests started on Saturday, 20 September, triggered by a pension reform that mandates young people to contribute to a private pension fund.

With President Dina Boluarte’s approval ratings hovering in single digits, demonstrators called for her resignation. They voiced their frustrations, claiming they were marching against corruption, for life, and against the crimes that are killing us every day, as stated by one protester.

The Gen Z activists were joined by transport workers protesting against extortion and protection money threats from gangs.

Despite police setting up barriers, protesters voiced their discontent, chanting united for the Peru we deserve and calling for accountability from government officials.

Human rights advocates criticized police tactics, claiming excessive force was used against unarmed demonstrators.

The commitment of these young Peruvians to demand change amidst ongoing turmoil exemplifies the growing urge for reform and action in the face of adversity.