This Wednesday, October 16, hundreds of merchants Round Table They gathered in front of the Republican Congress in a demonstration that seeks to be heard by the legislative branch. The protest focuses on opposition to the modification of Law 31980, which restricts “freedom of business” and could result in the loss of 100,000 jobs.
The mobilization, which began at 8:00 am, reflects the concerns of the merchants about the economic impact that the new regulations may have. The organizers of the protest expressed their intention to dialogue with the representatives of the Congress to express their concerns and to find a solution that does not affect the way of life of thousands of families.
Likewise, they point out that this law allows the Municipality of Lima to reduce the current items to four. These would be Crafts, Food, Bookstores and Hotels, leaving behind goods, toys, appliances, among other things.
Secretary General Mesa Redonda, Luis Castaneda, He emphasized that this law only harms them by reducing the items, which is why it leaves businessmen out of work. Meanwhile, they state that they were never included in the dialogue table.
“We are asking for a minor change in the law, to include us as a wholesaler in the market, as we have been working there for years. They cannot pass a master law to expel merchants,” he explained to him RPP news.
“Practically, the entire Mesa Redonda conglomerate is trying to eliminate us by creating laws. We have been supplying nationally and to other countries such as Bolivia and Ecuador for years, but this law has affected us,” said a merchant.
- The first mentioned is the reduction of the items from more than 600 to only four.
- In addition, they indicate that there will be limitations on the operating license, so different opinions could be presented to the municipality to issue new ones.
- At another point, they state that the shops located in this shopping center will show an economic impact by devaluing the properties, as there will no longer be more than four items.
On the other hand, they mentioned that some leaders have come into Parliament to talk to a legislator. In the meantime, they state that they will stay abroad to get an answer.
It should be noted that merchants also joined the transporters’ strike to demand action against the ongoing crime wave in the country. They do not rule out that they will participate again against a new mobilization.
In Cercado de Lima, merchants reported an increase in extortion that forced them to temporarily close their businesses. According to reports, they have received threatening letters that They demand a payment of S/1,000 in exchange for “security” in the area jirón Ferreñafe. These threats have been attributed to a criminal gang known as ‘Los Colochos’.
Affected merchants have found these letters under the doors of their establishments, urging them to contact specific telephone numbers. One of the owners said he decided to close his store after receiving one of these letters, ie.
Another case reported News America That is a baker from the same area, who was also the target of these extortions. Despite threats to attack his life, the merchant has said he must continue working to maintain his income.
One of the letters received reads: “Get in line or pay, we’re here. Cooperate with a thousand coins for your safety.”
A situation that is spread in different areas and progresses every day.