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The nation will soon declare a state of emergency after at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations against the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago.

Government Response

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to address escalating safety concerns.

The protest on Wednesday night – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – was the latest in a series of demonstrations targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, 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. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building.

Casualties and Investigation

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, stated a human rights representative, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Official Statements

The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality in a post on X, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

"Legal consequences will be severe," he said.

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 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

The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for how Jerí's nascent presidency – 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 after she assumed power in late 2022, resulting in multiple fatalities and catastrophic approval rating decline, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.