Peruvian President Alan Garcia’s level of popularity has hit its lowest point since November as most of his countrymen are upset over the weakening economy and his handling of anti-government protests. Another demonstration in Peru could make things worse for the unpopular leader.Approximately 3000 miners have blocked off one of Peru’s main highways for a second day as they are upset with the actions of their U.S.-run employer- Doe Run. The company has repeatedly cut the workforce at its smelter in La Oroya much to the chagrin of workers and union reps.
Further complicating matters is that the troubled company has undergone numerous delays in cleaning up massive environmental damage at La Oroya which was to be completed years ago. As losses mount trying to clean La Oroya, the company keeps shedding jobs thus leading to the blockade.
Despite calls for government intervention the Garcia administration has decided against doing so:
Peru's Government reiterated that it has no plans to intervene in the Doe Run mining company (one of the biggest mineral exporters in the country) in order to save it from financial collapse…Image- Javno.hr
“An intervention would be very complicated in terms of responsibilities and financial consequences, because it is very likely that we would have to face international claims,” said Pedro Sanchez (Peru's Minister of Energy and Mining) to a local radio.
Online Sources- Living in Peru, Washington Post, the Latin Americanist, LAHT, Reuters
No comments:
Post a Comment