The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests targeting President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.
Government Response
The nation's premier said late on Thursday that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan 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 targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday.
Protest Dynamics
Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.
"Everyone must go!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.
Casualties and Investigation
Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot.
Government Position
Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, 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, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.
Planned Changes
Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, though specific authority details remained unspecified.
The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, 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 – 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, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.
Previous Administration
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.
The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.
