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The nation will soon impose emergency measures following at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations against President José Jerí, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital imminently and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

The protest on Wednesday night – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – represented the most recent in ongoing protests 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. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.

Casualties and Investigation

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, 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

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

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

Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".

Planned Changes

The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.

Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and multiple individuals faced arrest.

Governing Challenges

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop.

The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Previous Administration

Boluarte's government faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.