đź”— Share this article Peru to Declare State of Emergency After Fatal Protests Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader Peru is set to impose emergency measures following one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests against the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior. Government Response The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima within hours 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 – was the latest in a series of demonstrations targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration. Protest Dynamics 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. "All must leave!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure. Casualties and Investigation Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot. Government Position The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality in a post on X, promising an impartial inquiry. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos". "Legal consequences will be severe," he said. Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, JerĂ said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues". Proposed Reforms JerĂ 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 the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained. Political Context Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out. JerĂ, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. JerĂ has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Historical Precedent Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, leading to dozens of deaths and a plunge in her popularity levels, registering minimal public support before removal. The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.