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Peru is set to impose emergency measures after at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Government Response

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital imminently and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity.

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.

Demonstration Developments

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. 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 surrounding the structure.

Casualties and Investigation

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Government Position

The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality 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".

Proposed Reforms

Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, 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, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and 11 people were detained.

Political Context

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

Jerí, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Previous Administration

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal.

The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.