🔗 Share this article Peru Plans to Announce State of Emergency After Deadly Protests Against New President Peru is set to 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 The nation's premier said late on Thursday that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to address escalating safety concerns. Wednesday evening's demonstration – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – was the latest in a series of demonstrations targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration. Demonstration Developments Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects. "All must leave!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building. Casualties and Investigation 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. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Government Position The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, 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, Jerà said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues". Planned Changes The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, though specific authority details remained unspecified. Recently installed security chief 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. Political Context The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out. JerÃ, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerà has denied wrongdoing in both cases 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 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, with a single-digit approval rating.