🔗 Share this article Peru Plans to Announce National Emergency After Fatal Protests Against New President The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests targeting the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago. Government Response Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity. Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday. Demonstration Developments Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. 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. Victims and Inquiry A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. Peru's prosecutor's office confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Government Position The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. 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 Jerà said one focus would be prison reform, 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, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and multiple individuals faced arrest. Political Context Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop. JerÃ, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Historical Precedent Boluarte's government faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster. Congress – which was headed by Jerà before he became president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.