Clashes in Peru over new public sector legislation

Police in Peru have fired tear gas at students and civil servants protesting in the streets of the capital, Lima, against new public sector legislation. Riot police clashed with demonstrators who attempted to approach the presidential palace. President Ollanta Humala has signed into a law a bill introducing annual performance assessments for civil servants and university lecturers, saying the new rules will improve standards at universities and in the civil service. However, critics say the reforms will cost jobs and compromise university autonomy. The legislation was approved on Tuesday in Congress by 59 votes to 45, after months of debate. Mr Humuala was elected in 2011 with a left-wing agenda, but protesters say he has betrayed the electorate. Protests were also held in other Peruvian cities.