🔗 Share this article The Peruvian government Plans to Announce State of Emergency Following Deadly Protests Against New President Peru is set to declare a state of emergency after at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior. Official Measures The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity. Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – 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. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects. "All must leave!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure. Victims and Inquiry Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Official Statements Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. 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, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues". Planned Changes Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, though specific authority details remained unspecified. Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained. Political Context The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop. The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration Boluarte's government faced widespread protests following the 2022 transition, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, 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.