🔗 Share this article Peru Plans to Announce National Emergency After Fatal Protests Against Recently Inaugurated Leader The nation will soon declare a state of emergency 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. Official Measures The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity. Wednesday evening's demonstration – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration. Demonstration Developments Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices. "All must leave!" 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 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. Government Position The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests". "Legal consequences will be severe," he said. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Proposed Reforms The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, 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. Governing Challenges Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out. The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation. Previous Administration The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, resulting in multiple fatalities and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal. Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.