Peru to Declare State of Emergency Following Deadly Protests Against New President
The nation will soon impose emergency measures after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests targeting President JosĂ© JerĂ, inaugurated only a few days prior.
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 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
Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.
"Everyone must go!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building.
Victims and Inquiry
Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot.
Official Statements
The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, 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 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, though specific authority details remained unspecified.
The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and 11 people were detained.
Governing Challenges
Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how JerĂ's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop.
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. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.
Previous Administration
Boluarte's government 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.
The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.
