🔗 Share this article

The nation will soon declare a state of emergency after one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests targeting the newly installed president, 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 address escalating safety concerns.

Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – was the latest in a series of demonstrations targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday.

Protest Dynamics

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"All must leave!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building.

Casualties and Investigation

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, 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

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, promising an impartial inquiry. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".

"Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed.

Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".

Planned Changes

Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, though specific authority details remained unspecified.

The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest.

Governing Challenges

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out.

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. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Historical Precedent

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, 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 faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.