Peru has once again plunged into a state of emergency, with interim President José Jerí declaring a 30-day measure for Lima and Callao to combat escalating crime and public unrest. This move, which authorizes military deployment and suspends civil liberties, marks the latest attempt by the Peruvian government to restore order amid a volatile political landscape and a frustrated populace.
In a bold and urgent response to a dramatic increase in violent crime and persistent social unrest, Peru’s interim President José Jerí declared a 30-day state of emergency for the capital city of Lima and its neighboring province, Callao, on October 22, 2025. This declaration, which came into effect immediately after midnight, authorizes the deployment of the Peruvian armed forces to support police efforts in maintaining public order and security.
The move by President Jerí’s administration reflects a growing desperation to curb a crime wave that has seen homicides surge significantly. Official figures reported by the Associated Press indicate 1,690 homicides between January and September 2025, a stark increase from 1,502 during the same period in 2024. This escalating violence, encompassing armed robberies, gang activity, and extortion, has fueled public frustration and calls for decisive government action.
The Road to Emergency: Political Turmoil and Public Discontent
President Jerí’s declaration is not an isolated event but rather the latest chapter in a period of intense political instability and public dissatisfaction in Peru. His ascension to the presidency on October 10, 2025, followed the impeachment and removal of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, by Peru’s Congress. Lawmakers cited her administration’s inability to effectively tackle the country’s escalating crime wave as a primary reason for her removal, as reported by the Associated Press.
This recent change in leadership and the subsequent emergency declaration are directly tied to widespread protests across the nation. For weeks leading up to Jerí’s decision, citizens took to the streets, demanding greater safety and economic stability. These demonstrations often turned violent, resulting in at least one fatality and over 100 injuries among protesters, law enforcement, and journalists.
The sentiment among the populace is complex; while many residents express deep frustration over the perceived ineffectiveness of the police and judicial system, some view the state of emergency as a necessary, albeit risky, measure to restore basic safety and public order.
“From Defense to Offense”: Jerí’s Strategy and Its Implications
In a televised address, President Jerí articulated his government’s new approach to crime, describing it as a shift “from defense to offense.” He emphasized the goal of regaining “peace, tranquility, and the trust of millions of Peruvians,” signaling a more aggressive stance against criminal elements. This strategy, approved by the council of ministers, allows for:
- The deployment of military forces to patrol crime-prone districts in Lima and Callao.
- Military assistance for checkpoints and rapid-response units.
- Temporary suspension of certain civil liberties, including freedom of movement and assembly, if deemed necessary for public safety.
- Increased authority for search and seizure without prior court approval.
While specific operational details remain to be fully disclosed, the deployment of soldiers in urban areas marks a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to regain control. Historically, Callao, a crucial port city, has been a nexus for organized drug trafficking and has witnessed a surge in gang violence and extortion, making it a critical target for these new measures.
Historical Precedents and Community Response
This is not Peru’s first recourse to a state of emergency in recent years. Former President Dina Boluarte herself declared a 30-day state of emergency in March 2025, a measure that, according to reports, yielded little success in curbing crime. Prior to that, in December 2022, Boluarte also declared states of emergency in regions affected by violent protests that erupted after the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo, a crisis that left several people dead.
These repeated declarations highlight a recurring challenge in Peruvian governance: finding effective, long-term solutions to deep-seated issues of crime and political instability. The current declaration, while aimed at public safety, inevitably raises concerns about the potential impact on civil liberties and the human rights of citizens, even as the government assures a focus on peace and order.
Adding another layer of complexity, Gen Z activists have been at the forefront of major protests against violence and corruption in Peru. Just days before Jerí’s declaration, on Thursday, October 17, 2025, protesters rallied in Lima, demanding the resignation of the new president. This demonstration spiraled into violence, resulting in one civilian death and approximately 100 injuries, underscoring the deep divisions and high stakes involved. Despite the unrest, President Jerí affirmed on the same day that he would not resign, as reported by the Associated Press.
As the military prepares to join police forces on the streets of Lima and Callao, the nation watches to see if this “from defense to offense” strategy will finally bring the peace and tranquility that millions of Peruvians desperately seek, or if it will simply be another temporary measure in a cycle of unrest and governmental responses.
