The Peruvian government to Declare National Emergency Following Deadly Protests Against New President
The nation will soon impose emergency measures after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests against the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior.
Government Response
Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima imminently and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.
Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – was the latest in a series of demonstrations against corruption and rising crime, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday.
Demonstration Developments
Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.
"Everyone must go!" protesters chanted 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 his death would be investigated, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Government Position
The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. 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
JerĂ said one focus would be prison reform, 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, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest.
Political Context
Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how JerĂ's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop.
JerĂ, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. JerĂ has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.
Previous Administration
The previous administration faced widespread protests 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 faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.
