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Peru is set to impose emergency measures after at least one person was killed 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 emergency protocols for the capital 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 against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.

Protest Dynamics

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress 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 his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot.

Government Position

The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality 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".

"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

Jerí 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, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and multiple individuals faced arrest.

Governing Challenges

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out.

Jerí, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Previous Administration

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, 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.

The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.