🔗 Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare State of Emergency After Fatal Demonstrations Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting President José JerÃ, inaugurated only a few days prior. Official Measures The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital within hours and is preparing a package of measures 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, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday. Demonstration Developments Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices. "All must leave!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building. Casualties and Investigation A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot. Official Statements Jerà expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests". "Legal consequences will be severe," he said. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, Jerà said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues". Proposed Reforms Jerà said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail. The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest. Governing Challenges Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how JerÃ's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out. The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation. Historical Precedent Boluarte's government faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and a plunge in her popularity levels, 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.