🔗 Share this article Peru Plans to Announce National Emergency Following Fatal Protests Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader Peru is set to impose emergency measures after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations against the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior. Government Response The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity. The protest on Wednesday night – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, 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. "All must leave!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure. Casualties and Investigation A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot. Official Statements Jerà expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, 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, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Proposed Reforms Jerà said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail. 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 11 people were detained. Governing Challenges 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 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerà has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Historical Precedent Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and a plunge in her popularity levels, registering minimal public support before removal. Congress – which was headed by Jerà before he became president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.