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Peru is set to declare a state of emergency after one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Official Measures

The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital imminently and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns.

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, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday.

Demonstration Developments

Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.

Victims and Inquiry

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. 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 said.

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

Proposed Reforms

The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.

Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and multiple individuals faced arrest.

Political Context

The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop.

The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Historical Precedent

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, resulting in multiple fatalities and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.