đź”— Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare State of Emergency After Fatal Protests Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader Peru is set to impose emergency measures following at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago. Government Response The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital imminently and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns. Wednesday evening's demonstration – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – was the latest in a series of demonstrations targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday. Protest Dynamics Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices. "All must leave!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure. Victims and Inquiry Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, stated a human rights representative, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities 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. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, 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 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 JerĂ's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop. JerĂ, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal. The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.