In Peru’s second city, Arequipa, anti-government protesters blocked roads and stormed the international airport as deadly unrest intensified on Monday.
Supporters of former left-wing president Pedro Castillo took to the streets in anger at his impeachment and arrest.
His successor and former deputy, Dina Bolvarte, proposed bringing the general election forward two years to April 2024 in response to the protests.
But Mr Castillo described Ms Bularte’s plans as a “dirty game”.
At least seven people have now been killed in clashes with security forces since protests against Mr Castillo’s impeachment began last Wednesday.
He was charged with corruption and detained for trying to dissolve the opposition-controlled Congress, hours before a vote on his impeachment was scheduled to take place.
In a handwritten letter he tweeted on Monday, he called Ms Bolvert “outrageous” and said she had been “kidnapped” and humiliated.
Mr. Castillo’s supporters argue that Ms. Bolwart was not elected by the people. They are calling for Peru to hold new elections, with some calling for the shutdown of Congress and the release of Mr. Castillo.
Protesters blocked roads and set fire to cars on Monday, and an estimated 2,000 stormed the airport in the southern city of Arequipa, blocking the runway and suspending flights for several hours. . Finally, the police dispersed them with tear gas shells.
In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, Ms Bolvarte – the first woman to lead Peru – said she would submit a bill to Congress to hold elections in April 2024 instead of April 2026.
Ms Bolwarte said she would also propose constitutional reforms to achieve a “more efficient, transparent and participatory system of government”, but did not elaborate on those reforms.
The move represents a turn. Ms Bolvarte, who was sworn in as president on Wednesday, said after taking office that she would fully serve out the remainder of Mr Castillo’s five-year term.
Last week, a court ordered that Mr. Castillo be held in preliminary custody for seven days while it investigates whether he should be charged with rebellion.
How Ms Bolarte handles the protests is seen as a key test for her presidency and whether she can hold on to power until April 2024.
Peruvian politics have been unstable for years, with the legislature and executive in almost constant conflict.
Ms Bularte is the sixth president to hold power in as many years.
