Background on José Jerí and the Current Political Climate
José Jerí, the interim president of Peru, assumed power on October 10 following the removal of President Dina Boluarte due to allegations of moral incapacity to govern, less than six months before the general elections on April 12 of the following year. Jerí’s role as a transitional president requires him to complete the current term ending in late July 2026.
Youth-Led Protests and Emergency Decree
On Thursday, youth groups known as Generation Z in Peru challenged interim president José Jerí and announced new protests, despite the emergency decree issued by the government deploying military forces to curb crime. The protest was called for Saturday, following a demonstration in Lima last week that left one dead and over 100 injured, demanding laws against insecurity, closure of Congress, Jerí’s resignation, and a constituent assembly.
Jorge Calmet, one of the leaders from Generation Z, stated in a press conference: “We have the constitutional right to protest. No one, not even a police chief, a congressman, or someone pretending to be president, can take that right away from us.” He added, “We will march as many times as necessary.”
Restrictions Under Emergency State
The 30-day emergency state was declared in Lima and the nearby Callao province on Wednesday, restricting citizens’ rights such as free movement and assembly. The military, along with the police, began patrolling streets under this decree.
Support and Concerns from Young Leaders
Milagros, another youth leader in the movement, expressed her concerns during the press conference: “As a young person, I sometimes feel afraid that there could be retaliation against my family.”
The recent protests have garnered support from other civil groups, including left-wing unions and transport workers affected by increased extortion. These young protesters, predominantly under 30 and digital natives, have leveraged social media to amplify their message.
History of Emergency Decrees in Peru
Peru has a history of declaring emergency states, which experts in security say have not effectively reduced crime. The most recent emergency decree was issued in March of this year for 30 days.
Under the administrations of the two previously removed presidents, Dina Boluarte and Pedro Castillo, Peru experienced nearly 360 days of emergency states due to security concerns since 2021, according to Interior Ministry data.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is José Jerí? José Jerí is the interim president of Peru, who assumed power on October 10 after the removal of President Dina Boluarte due to allegations of moral incapacity to govern.
- What is the reason for the emergency state? The Peruvian government declared a 30-day emergency state in Lima and Callao province to address rising crime rates, deploying military forces alongside the police to patrol streets.
- Who are Generation Z in Peru? Generation Z in Peru refers to young activists, primarily under 30 and digital natives, who are leading protests demanding laws against insecurity, closure of Congress, resignation of interim president Jerí, and a constituent assembly.
- Why are there concerns about the emergency state? Critics argue that previous emergency decrees have not effectively reduced crime, and there are concerns about the restriction of citizens’ rights such as free movement and assembly under the current decree.
