🔗 Share this article Peru to Declare State of Emergency After Fatal Demonstrations Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations against the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago. Government Response Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez 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 – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – 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. 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!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building. Casualties and Investigation A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot. Official Statements Jerà expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests". "The full force of the law will be on them," he said. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Proposed Reforms Jerà said one focus would be prison reform, though specific authority details remained unspecified. Recently installed security chief 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. Political Context Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out. JerÃ, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation. Historical Precedent Boluarte's government faced widespread protests following the 2022 transition, resulting in multiple fatalities and a plunge in her popularity levels, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster. Congress – which was headed by Jerà before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.