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The nation will soon declare a state of emergency after one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima imminently 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 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 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 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, stated a human rights representative, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Official Statements

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death 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 affirmed.

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.

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 the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, 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 the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out.

The 38-year-old leader 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.

Historical Precedent

The previous administration faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, resulting in multiple fatalities and a plunge in her popularity levels, 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, registering minimal constituent support.