Peru to Declare State of Emergency After Fatal Protests Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader
Peru is set to declare a state of emergency after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting President José JerÃ, who assumed power just days ago.
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 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.
Demonstration Developments
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!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building.
Casualties and Investigation
Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot.
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".
"The full force of the law will be on them," he affirmed.
Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, Jerà said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".
Proposed Reforms
Jerà said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.
Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained.
Political Context
Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how JerÃ's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out.
The 38-year-old leader committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerà has denied wrongdoing in both cases 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 catastrophic approval rating decline, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.
The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.