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The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations against the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima within hours 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 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. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"All must leave!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature 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, 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

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".

"The full force of the law will be on them," 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 multiple individuals faced arrest.

Governing Challenges

The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out.

The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Previous Administration

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 is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.