The Peruvian government Plans to Announce State of Emergency Following Deadly Demonstrations Targeting 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, 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 within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity.
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.
Protest Dynamics
Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.
"Everyone must go!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building.
Victims and Inquiry
Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot.
Official Statements
The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality in a post on X, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".
"The full force of the law will be on them," he said.
After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, JerĂ said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".
Proposed Reforms
The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.
Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained.
Governing Challenges
The recent demonstrations served as an indicator 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 encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. JerĂ has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.
Historical Precedent
Boluarte's government faced widespread protests following the 2022 transition, 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 faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.
