He called on Congress to hold snap elections to quell the protests.
“What will my resignation solve?” Boluarte rhetorically asked, declaring that the unrest would continue until Congress decides on the organization of elections.
Congress on Friday rejected a bill that would have held elections in December 2023, instead of spring 2026 as previously planned.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Jose Williams, suggested on Friday that there could be a repeat vote on the issue.
The South American country has been rocked by unrest since the leftist Castillo was ousted on December 7 after Congress voted to impeach him and he was subsequently arrested. Congress voted to impeach Castillo, ignoring his announcement of the dissolution of Congress, the declaration of a state of emergency and a curfew. A few hours later, Peru’s first vice president, Boluarte, was sworn in as president, becoming Peru’s first female head of state.
Castillo is accused of rebellion and conspiracy. If found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison, said prosecutor Alcides Diaz.
Castillo was initially held in pre-trial detention for seven days, but Peru’s Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Castillo must remain in custody for another 18 months.
At least 18 people, including minors, died in the riots.
In a televised address to the nation, Boluarte expressed his regret for the protests and the loss of life, but assured that, due to the state of emergency declared in the country, the presence of the army in the streets is also permitted.
He insisted the protests were coordinated and not spontaneous.
Protesters are demanding the release of President Castillo, suspended from parliament, the removal of his successor, Boluarte, and the holding of new elections.
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