Peru Near Standstill As Protests Sour President's Anniversary

Strikes and street protests have paralyzed swaths of Peru and rattled President Alan García's government, tarnishing what had been considered one of South America's great political comebacks.

Teachers and farm workers led a 12th consecutive day of demonstrations yesterday by boycotting classes, blocking roads and mobilizing resentment over poor living conditions. One farm worker died and dozens were injured when 4,000 protesters clashed with police in Andahuaylas on Monday, according to local reports.

Last week police fought pitched battles with protesters in Lima. Nine police officers were briefly taken hostage by a 1,000-strong crowd and in the region of Puno protesters stormed an airport and a railway station. Transport in several provinces has been brought to a standstill.

The anger has soured preparations to mark the first anniversary of Mr García's return to power. Infamous for a disastrous presidency in the 1980s which ended in economic meltdown and turmoil, the former leftwing radical was re-elected unexpectedly last year.

Investors say the president, who now styles himself as a mature pragmatist, has delivered stability and prosperity. Economic growth surged to 8% last year on the back of low inflation, fiscal discipline and robust investment. The International Monetary Fund praised the turnaround and business leaders said the stage was set for an Andean renaissance.

However, the half of Peru's 27 million population which lives on less than a dollar a day has lost patience because shortages of food, clean water and electricity have not eased. Mr García's approval ratings have tumbled.

The spark for the protests was an education bill which would require teachers to pass periodic competency tests. Those who failed three consecutive exams in basic maths and reading comprehension faced being sacked.