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Peru is set to declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests against the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago.

Government Response

The nation's premier said late on Thursday that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

Wednesday evening's demonstration – 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

Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

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

Government Position

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".

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

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.

Planned Changes

The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, 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 11 people were detained.

Political Context

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop.

The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Historical Precedent

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, 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, with a single-digit approval rating.