The Peruvian government Plans to Announce State of Emergency After Deadly Protests Against New President
Peru is set to impose emergency measures following one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests against the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior.
Government Response
Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns.
The protest on Wednesday night – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – was the latest in a series of demonstrations 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 significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.
"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building.
Casualties and Investigation
Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot.
Government Position
Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, 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 said.
After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, 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.
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 11 people were detained.
Governing Challenges
Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out.
Jerí, 38 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. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.
Previous Administration
The previous administration faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal.
Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.
