🔗 Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare National Emergency Following Fatal Demonstrations Against New President Peru is set to impose emergency measures after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests targeting the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior. Government Response Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday 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 targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, 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. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices. "Everyone must go!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building. Victims and Inquiry Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot. Government Position 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". "Legal consequences will be severe," he said. Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, 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 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 The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop. The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration The previous administration 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. The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.