New premier appeals for end to strikes

Peru’s new prime minister, worried about the prospect of disruptive strikes, pleaded with the country’s two leading leftists for a truce as he tries to reshape policy to bring the benefits of an economic boom to the poor.

Yehude Simon wants to avoid the marches, rallies and walkouts that plagued his predecessor, who stepped down last week in a corruption scandal. Simon’s Cabinet is preparing for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next month in Peru.

President Alan Garcia, a centrist whose approval rating has dropped to 19%, appointed Simon this week in a broad Cabinet reshuffle.