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Peru is set to impose emergency measures following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima imminently and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

The protest on Wednesday night – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – 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 hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.

Victims and Inquiry

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. 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, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

"The full force of the law will be on them," he affirmed.

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

Planned Changes

Jerí 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 11 people were detained.

Political Context

The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop.

The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Historical Precedent

Boluarte's government faced widespread protests following the 2022 transition, resulting in multiple fatalities 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.