🔗 Share this article Peru Plans to Announce National Emergency After Deadly Demonstrations Against New President The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior. Official Measures The nation's premier said late on Thursday that authorities would enact 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 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 when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building. 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, from the national oversight institution. 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 blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos". "The full force of the law will be on them," he affirmed. Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Planned Changes The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, though specific authority details remained unspecified. Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest. 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. The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations 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. The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.