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Peru is set to impose emergency measures after one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests 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 imminently 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 against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.

Demonstration Developments

Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"All must leave!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building.

Victims and Inquiry

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. 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".

"The full force of the law will be on them," 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

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, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest.

Governing Challenges

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

The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Historical Precedent

Boluarte's government 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 faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.