The Peruvian government Plans to Announce State of Emergency Following Fatal Protests Targeting New President
Peru is set to impose emergency measures after at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests targeting President José JerÃ, inaugurated only a few days prior.
Government Response
Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan 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, 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.
"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, was killed during the protest 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, promising an impartial inquiry. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".
"Legal consequences will be severe," he said.
Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.
Planned Changes
The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, 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 11 people were detained.
Political Context
The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for how JerÃ's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out.
JerÃ, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerà has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.
Previous Administration
Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, 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.
