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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

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima imminently and crafting a comprehensive plan to address escalating safety concerns.

The protest on Wednesday night – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – 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.

Demonstration Developments

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"All must leave!" 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 authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot.

Government Position

The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

"Legal consequences will be severe," he said.

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".

Proposed Reforms

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 the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out.

The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations 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 encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, resulting in multiple fatalities and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal.

The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.