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Peru is set to impose emergency measures following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests against the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity.

Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – represented the most recent in ongoing protests targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.

Protest Dynamics

Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.

"All must leave!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure.

Casualties and Investigation

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. Peru's prosecutor's office confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Official Statements

The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality in a post on X, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

"The full force of the law will be on them," he said.

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.

Planned Changes

Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.

The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress 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, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Historical Precedent

The previous administration faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, 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.