Peru Police Clash with Protesters As President Boluarte Seeks Expanded Powers

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte said on Friday she would request expanded legislative powers and is open to reshaping a historically unpopular Congress as protesters renewed their demands for her to stand down.
During an Independence Day speech in Lima, Boluarte said she would request legislative powers from Congress for 120 days to fight crime. She said she was open to reverting Congress to a two-chamber legislature from a single-chamber format.

"(These are) measures Peru needs to face, with more strength and efficiency, delinquency and crime," Boluarte said, Reuters reported.

Protesters attempted to reach Congress but were held back by police after a brief clash. Crowds began to disperse as Boluarte's three-hour long speech drew to a close.