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The nation will soon declare a state of emergency after at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests targeting President José Jerí, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital within hours 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 demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"All must leave!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.

Casualties and Investigation

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

The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, 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.

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 the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, 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 – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop.

Jerí, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

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, registering minimal public support before removal.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.