🔗 Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare State of Emergency After Fatal Demonstrations Against New President The nation will soon declare a state of emergency after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago. Official Measures The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital imminently 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 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. 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 surrounding the structure. Victims and Inquiry A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot. Official Statements Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. 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, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Planned Changes The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail. 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 multiple individuals faced arrest. Governing Challenges The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for how Jerí's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop. Jerí, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Historical Precedent Boluarte's government faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, resulting in multiple fatalities and catastrophic approval rating decline, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster. Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.