🔗 Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare State of Emergency Following Deadly Demonstrations Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations against President José Jerí, who assumed power just days ago. Official Measures Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima imminently and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns. The protest on Wednesday night – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – 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 Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects. "All must leave!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure. Casualties and Investigation A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot. Government Position The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests". "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 The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail. The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and multiple individuals faced arrest. Governing Challenges The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for how Jerí's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – 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 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. Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.