đź”— Share this article The Peruvian government Plans to Announce National Emergency After Deadly Demonstrations Targeting New President The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests targeting President JosĂ© JerĂ, inaugurated only a few days prior. Government Response Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima imminently and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity. Wednesday evening's demonstration – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – was the latest in a series of demonstrations against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration. Demonstration Developments 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!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure. Victims and Inquiry Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Official Statements JerĂ expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, promising an impartial inquiry. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos". "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. Proposed Reforms 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 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 the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop. The 38-year-old leader 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 pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration The previous administration 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 faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.