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Peru is set to impose emergency measures after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests against the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago.

Government Response

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital within hours and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns.

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.

Protest Dynamics

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!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure.

Casualties and Investigation

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Official Statements

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".

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

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.

Planned Changes

The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, though specific authority details remained unspecified.

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 11 people were detained.

Political Context

The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop.

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

Previous Administration

The previous administration faced widespread protests 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.

The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.