🔗 Share this article Peru to Declare National Emergency After Deadly Demonstrations 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 widespread protests targeting the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior. Government Response The nation's premier said late on Thursday that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital imminently and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns. 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, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration. Protest Dynamics Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices. "All must leave!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building. Casualties and Investigation A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, stated a human rights representative, 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 in a post on X, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests". "Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed. Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Planned Changes Jerà said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail. Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and multiple individuals faced arrest. Governing Challenges Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how JerÃ's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop. The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerà has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations 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 Jerà before he became president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.