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Peru is set to impose emergency measures after at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests targeting the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima 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 – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday.

Protest Dynamics

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.

"All must leave!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature 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, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Government Position

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, 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, 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.

The newly appointed interior minister, 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 multiple individuals faced arrest.

Governing Challenges

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

Jerí, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Previous Administration

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, resulting in multiple fatalities and a plunge in her popularity levels, registering minimal public support before removal.

The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.