Peru to Declare National Emergency Following Deadly Protests Targeting New President
The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations against President José JerÃ, who assumed power just days ago.
Government Response
Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact 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 against corruption and rising crime, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday.
Protest Dynamics
Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.
"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building.
Victims and Inquiry
Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Official Statements
Jerà expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".
"Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed.
Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.
Planned Changes
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 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.
The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.
Previous Administration
The previous administration faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, 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.
Congress – which was headed by Jerà before he became president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.
