🔗 Share this article Peru to Declare State of Emergency Following Fatal Protests 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, inaugurated only a few days prior. Official Measures Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital imminently and crafting a comprehensive plan 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. 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 attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building. Victims and Inquiry A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Government Position The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality in a post on X, 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 Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail. 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 11 people were detained. Political Context The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for how Jerí's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out. The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths 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, with a single-digit approval rating.