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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, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital within hours and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns.

The protest on Wednesday night – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.

Demonstration Developments

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"All must leave!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.

Victims and Inquiry

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, 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 said Ruiz died after being shot.

Official Statements

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death 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 affirmed.

Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.

Proposed Reforms

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

Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress 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.

Governing Challenges

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out.

The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Historical Precedent

Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.