Peru’s newly appointed president, José Jerí, has declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima. This is an effort to curb escalating violence that has destabilized the country and led to the ouster of former President Dina Boluarte. The decision follows a sharp rise in homicides, extortion, and public attacks with 1,690 killings. This number only represents between January and September of the current year. Up from 1,502 during the same period last year.
Boluarte was impeached on October 10 after lawmakers accused her of failing to control the crime wave. Jerí, formerly the leader of Congress, was swiftly sworn in as president. In a national address, he said the government would consider deploying military forces to support police and restricting rights such as freedom of movement and assembly. He emphasized a shift in strategy to go “from defense to offense” in the fight against crime.
However, Jerí’s rise to power has been met with public backlash, especially from Gen Z-led movements protesting corruption and government inaction. Demonstrations in Lima turned violent on Thursday, resulting in one death and around 100 injuries, including police and journalists. Despite mounting pressure, Jerí has refused to resign.
The crisis reflects Peru’s deepening instability, with recurring states of emergency. Including Boluarte’s similar 30-day measure in March which failed to reduce crime or restore public trust in government institutions.
Reference
AP NEWS. (2025, October 22). Peru declares emergency in capital to stem surging violence. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/peru-violence-emergency-president-jose-jeri-675366bbbfa89e00b4a4e8ea763f03b5