Peru's President Dina Boluarte apologizes for deaths during protests and says she will not resign from office

Otárola: President Boluarte will not resign from office 4:21

(CNN Spanish) --

The president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, apologized for the deaths that have occurred during the protests and reiterated that she will not resign from office.

“I apologize for this situation and for what has not been done to avoid these tragic events.

But, just as I ask for forgiveness, as president I ask with all my heart that we reject violence," Boluarte said during a message to the nation on Friday night.

Police officers patrol the Pan-American highway in La Joya as protesters stage a blockade to demand the resignation of Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in Arequipa, Peru on January 12, 2023. Credit: DIEGO RAMOS/AFP via Getty Images

The president pointed out that not only as a ruler, but as a woman and mother, she sympathizes with the situation in the country, but was emphatic in reiterating that she will not resign from her post despite pressure from various political sectors.

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"I am not going to resign, my commitment is with Peru, not with that tiny group that is making the country bleed," said Boluarte in his address.

Protests in Peru leave at least 49 dead 3:04

He also said that he has asked Congress to advance the date of the elections.

This has been one of the main claims of the protesters who have taken over several cities since December 7, 2022.

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The president explained that the dialogue tables will be strengthened at the provincial and national levels, to try to find a solution to the social crisis that the country is going through.