By the Socialist Workers Party – Peru
This week the APEC forum meets in Lima, in a climate of social conflict marked by the national strike called by various sectors against the government, for its inertia in the face of the wave of crime that is devastating the country and especially the sectors poorer.
For several decades, the APEC Forum has brought together Asia-Pacific countries to promote free-trade relations and agreements.
Agreements that only benefit the powers (especially the United States, Canada, Japan and China) and which bring greater dependence and submission to poorer countries such as Peru.
30 years of neoliberalism and trade agreements of this type, which have been and are presented by the mainstream media as pillars of development and progress, have only brought benefits to multinationals and their commercial partners, who have enriched themselves at the expense of the greatest looting of the country, the depredation of the environment, the reprimarization and denationalization of our economy and the exploitation of precarious and informal work widespread in Peru and dependent countries.
At the same time, as a product of this model, governments and state institutions have become corrupt, transforming them into the spoils of mafias of all kinds, and the growth of illegal economies has been encouraged which today are overflowing with the expansion of organized crime. which extorts, kills and decomposes the entire social fabric, especially affecting workers and the poorest sectors and which is not responded to or responded to by repressing those who oppose it, placing the country in an unprecedented crisis.
The APEC forum is attended by Biden, the president of the United States who leads the imperialist support for Israel in the genocide of the Palestinian people and who comes to guarantee its economic and political interests in the region, and Xi Jinping, the Chinese president who comes to inaugurate the port of Chancay, which has become an enclave for the expansion of its presence and business in our country and in Latin America, and in conflict with North American hegemony.
Like their minor partners, the only ones who can be satisfied with this forum and celebrate it are the members of CONFIEP, the greedy entrepreneurs who mass lay off people and violate the fundamental rights of workers, and who see in the Forum an opportunity to generate new contacts and agreements.
Therefore, the only thing we can expect from this meeting of bandits is, on the one hand, a greater presence of the powers that dominate and plunder our countries and the world, and a greater deepening of the model that increasingly sinks poor countries, and whose clear example today is Peru, host of this meeting.
In this sense, the hated regime of Boluarte and Congress, the only thing it did to ensure the successful holding of the APEC summit, was to lock down the population by suspending classes, declaring holidays, sealing the roads and removing repressive forces to repress the strike and mobilization called for in recent days.
Although the protest seeks to draw the world’s attention to the government’s inaction in the face of the growing crime that is spreading across the country, in content it is a fight against the current situation affecting workers and the poor: the increase the costs of living, the lack of jobs and quality basic services, the suffocating authoritarianism, the corruption and criminal repression of the regime that supports it, and the various attacks suffered by various sectors such as massive layoffs of workers; discontent embodied in Boluarte’s government and his Congress.
Therefore, the solution we are fighting for is for the same banners under which the southern Andean revolt was launched almost two years ago: outside the government and Congress, for the punishment of those responsible for the crimes committed, and for a Constituent Assembly that nationalize natural resources, lands and large monopolistic and oligopolistic companies and implement an independent and sovereign economic model under a government of workers and popular organizations.
With these flags we join the strike and the mobilizations called in recent days, and we invite you to build a real plan of struggle from the bottom up until the definitive triumph of the demands raised.
Long live the strike against crime and the government! Out with Boluarte, a murderer, corrupt and incompetent! Down with the corrupt and reactionary Congress!
Away with Yankee imperialism from Peru! Out with Biden, an accomplice to the genocide unleashed by the Zionist State of Israel in Gaza!
Dictator and capitalist Xi Jinping out! Nationalization without compensation of the Chancay megaport and all Chinese investments!
What are the implications of international trade agreements on social equity in developing nations like Peru?
Interview: The APEC Forum and Its Impact on Peru’s Socio-Economic Landscape
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the issues shaping our world today. Joining us is Dr. Ana Maria Felix, a recognized expert in international trade and socio-economic development, particularly in Latin America. Dr. Felix, thank you for being here.
Dr. Ana Maria Felix: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: The APEC forum is taking place this week in Lima, amid a national strike against the government. Can you set the context for us? What are the main grievances behind this unrest?
Dr. Felix: Absolutely. The national strike reflects widespread discontent over the government’s handling of the escalating crime rates and the social inequalities proliferated by decades of neoliberal policies. Many feel that the government is not only failing to address crime but also exacerbating existing socioeconomic issues, particularly affecting the poorer sectors of society.
Editor: APEC has a history of promoting free trade, which some argue has disproportionately benefited wealthier nations. How do you see Peru’s role in this context?
Dr. Felix: Peru’s participation in the APEC forum underscores a troubling reality. While the forum aims to foster cooperation and free-trade agreements, the gains often don’t trickle down to the broader population. Instead, we’re witnessing a situation where multinational corporations reap the benefits while the local economy deteriorates. It’s essential to recognize that these agreements tend to deepen the dependency of poorer countries like Peru on wealthier nations, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation.
Editor: The article mentions a historical context of neoliberalism over the past 30 years. How does this relate to current social conflict?
Dr. Felix: The legacy of neoliberalism in Peru has been one of increased inequality and disillusionment. For many, these policies have led to the looting of national resources, environmental degradation, and systemic corruption within the government. As you see corruption and cronyism dominate state institutions, social cohesion deteriorates—leading to protests and unrest. People are feeling the effects directly, and they’re mobilizing to express their discontent.
Editor: At the forum, we have leaders like President Biden and President Xi Jinping, whose countries have their own agendas. What impact do you foresee their presence having on Peru and the region at large?
Dr. Felix: The presence of these leaders reflects the geopolitical tug-of-war between the U.S. and China in Latin America. Their collective agendas often prioritize economic interests over local welfare, which can further entrench Peru’s status as a resource provider rather than a developed economy. This competition may result in increased foreign influence while overlooking pressing social issues in Peru, such as crime and poverty.
Editor: In light of these developments, what do you think can be done to better the situation for workers and the impoverished?
Dr. Felix: It starts with grassroots movements and advocacy for policies that genuinely prioritize worker rights and social equity. The protests highlight the need for comprehensive reforms that address both the economic structures in place and the corruption enabling them. Additionally, engaging local communities in the drafting and implementation of trade agreements could help ensure that their rights and interests are protected.
Editor: As the government faces pressures from both the protests and the APEC forum, what do you expect to happen in the near future?
Dr. Felix: The immediate future may be tumultuous. With the added strain of a national strike, the Boluarte regime may resort to more repression to maintain order, but this could further provoke unrest. Alternatively, if the government acknowledges the protests and begins to act on these concerns, we might see a shift towards more inclusive policies. Ultimately, it’s a critical moment for Peru, and the direction taken will significantly shape its socio-economic landscape for years to come.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Felix, for your insights. It’s invaluable to have such perspectives as we navigate these complex issues.
Dr. Felix: Thank you for shedding light on these important topics. It’s crucial that we continue to engage in these conversations.