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The nation will soon declare a state of emergency after at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, who assumed power just days ago.

Government Response

The nation's premier said late on Thursday that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital 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, 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. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building.

Victims and Inquiry

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration 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, promising an impartial inquiry. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".

"The full force of the law will be on them," he said.

Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".

Proposed Reforms

Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.

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.

Governing Challenges

The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop.

The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, 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

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, 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 Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.