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The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Government Response

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

Wednesday evening's demonstration – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.

Demonstration Developments

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.

"Everyone must go!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building.

Victims and Inquiry

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Government Position

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

"Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed.

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".

Planned Changes

Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.

Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained.

Political Context

The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop.

Jerí, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Historical Precedent

The previous administration faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.

The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.