Peruvian Government Announces Plans to Declare State of Emergency
The Peruvian government has announced its intention to declare a state of emergency following the death of one person and the injury of dozens of others during widespread protests against the surge in crime, while the new interim president refuses to step down.
Situation Overview
The interim Prime Minister, Ernesto Alvarez, stated to journalists on Thursday, after a meeting of the Council of Ministers, that the state of emergency would be declared at least in the Greater Lima area. Thousands of people took to the streets again on Thursday in the capital, Lima, as well as in Arequipa (south), Cusco, and Puno (southeast), to protest against the unprecedented increase in murders and extortions attributed to organized crime gangs.
Recent Events
During a mass protest organized by the youth movement "Generation Z" in the capital Lima on Wednesday evening, a protester was shot and killed. The police chief confirmed that a police officer had fired after being attacked by protesters. Interim President José Jauregui, who took the helm of the country a week ago after the ousting of President Dina Boluarte, expressed regret over the protester's death, and authorities promised to investigate the incident.
Casualties and Protests
Authorities reported that around 100 people, including 80 police officers and 10 journalists, had been injured in the recent clashes. For a month now, Peru has been experiencing an increase in protests against corruption, economic downturn, and the spread of crime, which the Generation Z youth movement has joined. The protests began with demands for better retirement benefits and salaries for young people and have expanded to encompass the concerns of Peruvians tired of crime, corruption, and decades of disillusionment with their government.
Government Response
The declaration of a state of emergency is the government's response to the escalating situation, aiming to restore order and address the grievances of the protesters. However, with the interim president refusing to step down, the situation remains volatile, and the outcome of the protests and the government's actions is uncertain.
