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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 widespread protests against President José Jerí, 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 imminently and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity.

The protest on Wednesday night – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – was the latest in a series of demonstrations 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 hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.

Victims and Inquiry

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Government Position

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

"Legal consequences will be severe," he said.

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

Proposed Reforms

The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, though specific authority details remained unspecified.

The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained.

Governing Challenges

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out.

The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority 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.

Historical Precedent

Boluarte's government faced widespread protests following the 2022 transition, resulting in multiple fatalities and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal.

The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.