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Peru is set to declare a state of emergency following at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests against the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Official Measures

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

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.

Protest Dynamics

Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"Everyone must go!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building.

Victims and Inquiry

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, 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 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.

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, though specific authority details remained unspecified.

Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained.

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, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Previous Administration

Boluarte's government faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and a plunge in her popularity levels, registering minimal public support before removal.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.