A Crisis in Peru Signals Trouble for South America

<p>A few weeks ago, when President Pedro Castillo of Peru attempted an illegal power grab and ended up in jail, the response was unexpected: Thousands of protesters took to the streets to support him, and some died.</p><p>Why does such a divisive leader have such fierce backing? And what does the upheaval in Peru tell us about the way the political winds are blowing in South America?</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/julie-turkewitz?smid=pc-thedaily">Julie Turkewitz</a>, the Andes bureau chief for The New York Times.</p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>What is going on in Peru and why are people protesting?<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/peru-president-castillo-boluarte.html"> Here’s what to know</a>.</li><li>Days after Mr. Castillo’s removal from office and arrest, thousands of his supporters have joined protests demanding his reinstatement. To them,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/world/americas/peru-protests-pedro-castillo.html?searchResultPosition=1"> he is the voice of the marginalized</a>.</li></ul><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily">nytimes.com/thedaily</a>. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. </p>