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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 widespread protests against President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Official Measures

The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a package of measures 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 targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, 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. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures 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 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, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot.

Government Position

The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, 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 affirmed.

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".

Planned Changes

Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.

The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained.

Political Context

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 has faced a number of scandals, 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 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.

The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.