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Peru is set to declare a state of emergency following at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations against President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Government Response

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital within hours and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – 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 hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"All must leave!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building.

Casualties and Investigation

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot.

Official Statements

The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".

"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.

The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators 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 how Jerí's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop.

The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. 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, leading to dozens of deaths and a plunge in her popularity levels, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.

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