The nation will soon declare a state of emergency after at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests against the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago.
The nation's premier said late on Thursday 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 – 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.
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.
"All must leave!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.
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.
The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality in a post on X, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".
"Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed.
After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.
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 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.
The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out.
The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. JerĂ has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.
The previous administration 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.
Congress – which was headed by Jerà before he became president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.
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