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Peru is set to declare a state of emergency after one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests targeting President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima 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 – represented the most recent in ongoing protests targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, 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.

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

Casualties and Investigation

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

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 affirmed.

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".

Proposed Reforms

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 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 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 previously examined misconduct claims. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Historical Precedent

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.