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The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests targeting the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Government Response

The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital imminently and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

Wednesday evening's demonstration – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – represented the most recent in ongoing protests targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.

Protest Dynamics

Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"All must leave!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure.

Victims and Inquiry

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Official Statements

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death 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".

"Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed.

Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, 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, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest.

Political Context

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop.

Jerí, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Historical Precedent

Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, 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.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.