When a new president takes charge, people hope for peace, change, and security. But in Peru, things have taken a chaotic turn. Within days of coming to power, President José Jeri is facing massive protests across the country.
One person has died, dozens are wounded, and the nation is tense. In this article, we’ll walk through what’s going on, why people are angry, what the government says, and what might happen next.
What Happened: The Protests Erupt
On a night of unrest in Lima and beyond, thousands of protesters took to the streets. The groups included young activists (Gen Z), transport workers, and various civil groups. Their demands? To stop corruption, fix rising crime, and protest the new leadership.
Outside Congress in Lima, tensions boiled over: protesters hurled rocks, burning objects, and even fireworks at the police, who responded with tear gas and force. Many tried to tear down the metal barriers set up around government buildings.
Sadly, the protests turned tragic. A 32-year-old man named Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz was shot dead during the clashes. The Ombudsman’s office and Peru’s prosecutor’s office say his death is under investigation.
According to authorities, a police officer—Luis Magallanes—allegedly carried out the shooting after being physically attacked. The police chief, Oscar Arriola, announced that Magallanes has been removed from duty and is receiving medical care.
President Jeri expressed regret over the killing via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He vowed that the death will be “objectively investigated” and blamed agitators who “infiltrated” a peaceful protest. He warned: “The full force of the law will be on them.”
Government Response & Promises
State of Emergency and Safety Measures
To regain control, the government plans to declare a state of emergency in Lima within hours. Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez said a set of measures is in the works to tackle the rising threat of violence and chaos.
New Powers & Police Reform
Jeri told reporters that he would request from Congress the authority to pass important public safety laws on his own (a process called legislative powers). One major area he mentioned is prison reform, though he didn’t provide many details.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio, newly appointed, pledged a comprehensive reform of the national police force. He revealed that during the protests, 89 police officers and 22 civilians got hurt, and 11 people were detained.
| Issue | What We Know Now |
|---|---|
| City under emergency | Lima to be put under state of emergency |
| Police reform | Government promises to overhaul national police |
| Injuries & detentions | 89 police, 22 civilians injured; 11 detained |
| Legislative powers requested | Jeri wants more authority on security issues |
| Protester death | Eduardo Ruiz shot; investigation underway |
The Interior Ministry has not yet given full details on how the reform would work or how far Jeri’s new powers would extend.
Why This Is a Test for the New President
These protests are more than just a loud outcry — they’re a test for Jeri’s young presidency. Though he now holds office, his term will last only until July, when new elections are scheduled.
Jeri has declared that crime will be his top priority. But he’s already facing serious challenges of his own — past corruption allegations and an investigation into sexual assault, though both cases are now shelved. He denies any wrongdoing and says he’s ready to cooperate fully.
The previous president, Dina Boluarte, also faced brutal protests during her time in office. Many died, and her popularity sank to 2–4% before she was ousted. Now Jeri’s own approval is being tested early on, and Congress, which he once led, is also deeply unpopular, with single-digit approval ratings.
What Might Happen Next?
- Escalation vs Calm: If protests continue, the government may crack down harder. But too much force could fuel more anger.
- Reforms or Token Measures: Jeri must deliver real change — especially in policing and prisons — or face backlash.
- Political Instability: With weak public support and a short term, his presidency may struggle to survive.
- Dialogue or Conflict: The government may opt to negotiate with protest groups — or push ahead with authoritarian measures.
The sudden protests hitting Peru are a dramatic challenge for President José Jeri, who took power only days ago. With one person dead, dozens injured, and many demands from people nationwide for action on crime and corruption, the stakes are high.
Jeri has promised to reform police forces, seek greater legislative powers, and investigate the deadly shooting — but now, he must prove himself. His ability to act wisely and fairly in the coming days could decide whether his short presidency brings stability or more chaos.
