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Peru is set to impose emergency measures following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

The nation's premier said late on Thursday that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima imminently and crafting a comprehensive plan to address escalating safety concerns.

Wednesday evening's demonstration – 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!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.

Victims and Inquiry

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot.

Official Statements

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

"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, though specific authority details remained unspecified.

The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest.

Governing Challenges

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop.

Jerí, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Previous Administration

Boluarte's government faced widespread protests 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.

The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.