The sight of troops on Lima's streets has angered some

Leading newspapers in Peru reflect the anger over the state of emergency declared by President Alejandro Toledo in response to the wave of labour unrest and strikes.

Many commentators and members of the public are up in arms over the measure, although a few voices speak out in favour of the move.

"Toledo sets the country ablaze," proclaims a large front page headline in La Razon.

A commentator in the paper attacks the Toledo administration in a piece headlined "Wretched Government", accusing it of bringing the country to its knees and risking the return of military rule.

To improve the teachers' lot, the state monopoly on education needs to be broken Expreso

The piece speaks of the "decomposition of the present government" which has created the "disastrous situation the country finds itself in today".

"Neither can the government pin its hopes on the belief that military coups are a thing of the past. They have always been a danger in Latin American countries when civilians have proved themselves incapable of resolving serious problems."

The writer expresses hope that the armed forces will support the expressions of popular discontent, given that government ministers earn more than 70 times as much as teachers, and MPs receive 50 times as much as pensioners.

'Social injustice'

Writing in Expreso, commentator Walter Navarrete says teachers are paid "paupers' salaries" and calls for private sector investment.

"To improve the teachers' lot, the state monopoly on education needs to be broken and the private sector needs to get involved.

"It's no coincidence that the sectors with most state involvement are the most backward in our society."

All we Peruvians are responsible for believing Toledo's propaganda spun to aid his election. We reap what we sow. El Comercio reader

La Republica commentator Pedro Francke says the Toledo government "has done little to modify the extreme inequalities bequeathed by his predecessor".

While the poor get poorer, many big enterprises have cheated their way to higher profits, he argues.

"This feeling of social injustice is what fuels the popular unrest and the teachers' strike.

"The state needs to make a much more intensive effort to improve the situation of the poor and establish basic conditions for social justice."

'Authoritarian measures'

One of the top circulation dailies, El Comercio, publishes readers' comments on the state of emergency.

"All we Peruvians are responsible for believing Toledo's propaganda spun to aid his election. We reap what we sow. Look at the chaos in Peru," says one.

"As a mother," writes another, "and a Peruvian living abroad, I make a plea to my compatriots, including Mr Alejandro [Toledo] and his family: this is not the way to take the country forward."

Another correspondent points out that the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution. "To try and resolve social problems by using such authoritarian measures is a grave error."

One outspoken correspondent describes Mr Toledo as "the animal in the presidential palace", complaining that "this inept and acephalous [leaderless] government is responsible for taking us to the brink of militarism".

However, some correspondents backed the government. 'Maribel' reminds the people it was difficult to take over a country "with grave ethical and moral problems".

"Our current president deserves our respect. Don't let us suffer from amnesia. Well done, Mr President, a very good measure. It's time to impose order. My congratulations!"