🔗 Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare National Emergency After Fatal Demonstrations Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader Peru is set to impose emergency measures following 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 announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima imminently and crafting a comprehensive plan to address escalating safety concerns. Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – represented the most recent in ongoing protests 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 demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices. "Everyone must go!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure. Victims and Inquiry A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, 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. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot. Government Position 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. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, 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 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 multiple individuals faced arrest. Political Context 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 has promised to make crime his top priority 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. Previous Administration The previous administration faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and a plunge in her popularity levels, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster. The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.