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Peru is set to impose emergency measures after at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests targeting the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

The nation's premier 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 – 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

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades 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. The nation's judicial authorities 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, 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 authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and multiple individuals faced arrest.

Governing Challenges

The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – 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

The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, resulting in multiple fatalities and a plunge in her popularity levels, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.

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