Peru erupts in widespread protests against newly sworn-in President Jose Jeri, driven by deep public frustration over rampant corruption and escalating crime, highlighting the nation’s persistent political instability.
Just days after assuming office, Peru’s new interim President Jose Jeri is grappling with a wave of intense nationwide protests that have left one person dead and dozens injured. The demonstrations, which erupted on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, underscore a profound and persistent public frustration with political corruption and a worsening crime crisis, continuing a pattern of instability that has plagued the South American nation.
A Nation on Edge: The October 15 Protests
Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets in Lima and several other cities, responding to calls from a diverse coalition of youth-led collectives, Gen Z protesters, artists’ groups, labor unions, transport workers, and civil groups. Feminist organizations also joined the rallies, specifically protesting President Jeri over prior sexual assault accusations.
The protests quickly escalated into clashes outside the country’s Congress in Lima. Demonstrators attempted to breach security barriers and were met by police in riot gear who fired tear gas. Protesters, in turn, hurled stones, lit fireworks, and threw burning objects, chanting “Everyone must go!” as they expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the entire political class.
The Human Cost: Casualties and Official Responses
The protests claimed the life of 32-year-old Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, whose death is under investigation. Peru’s prosecutor’s office confirmed that Ruiz died after being shot. Later, the head of Peru’s National Police (PNP), Oscar Arriola, stated that officer Luis Magallanes had carried out the shooting after being physically assaulted, adding that Magallanes was receiving medical treatment and had been removed from his duties, as reported by Reuters.
In addition to Ruiz’s death, at least 89 police officers and 22 civilians were injured during the night’s events. President Jeri expressed regret over Ruiz’s death on social media platform X, vowing an “objective” investigation. However, he also attributed the violence to “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos,” promising that “the full force of the law will be on them.”
Deep Roots of Discontent: Crime and Corruption
The core drivers of these protests are deep-seated public frustrations over escalating crime and endemic corruption within Peru’s political system. Many citizens feel abandoned by the state, with the security situation deteriorating rapidly. Freelancer Amanda Meza, 49, articulated a common sentiment while marching toward Congress, stating, “I think there is general discontent because nothing has been done. There’s no security from the state.”
Cases of extortion and contract killings have indeed grown massively, becoming a pervasive feature of daily life across Peru. Powerful transnational criminal gangs, such as Los Pulpos and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, which operates across Latin America, routinely hold people from all walks of life for ransom. This pervasive insecurity was also a major factor in the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte just days prior to Jeri’s ascension, following protests by bus companies, merchants, and students over shakedowns by criminal gangs.
Jeri’s Challenging Start and Policy Vows
Jose Jeri, a 38-year-old right-wing politician and former leader of Congress, became interim president just days before the protests erupted. His short-lived presidency is slated to conclude next July, coinciding with scheduled elections. Jeri has attempted to address public anger by vowing to “declare war” on organized crime and making it his top priority.
In response to the protests, Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez announced plans to declare a state of emergency in Lima and prepare a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity. Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio also pledged comprehensive reform to the national police. Jeri himself stated he would seek “authority to legislate on public safety issues” from Congress, with a focus on prison reform.
Despite his pledges, Jeri faces significant credibility challenges. He has been embroiled in his own scandals, including corruption allegations and a sexual assault investigation that was shelved in August 2024 due to lack of evidence. Jeri has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigations, but these controversies fuel public mistrust.
A Recurring Cycle of Instability
The current unrest is not an isolated event but rather the latest manifestation of Peru’s chronic political instability. Former President Dina Boluarte, who assumed power in late 2022, also faced widespread protests that resulted in dozens of deaths and a dramatic plummet in her popularity, which hovered between 2% and 4% leading up to her impeachment. The very Congress Jeri once led also suffers from dismal public approval, often registering single-digit ratings.
Peru has experienced a succession of presidential changes and political crises in recent years, with leaders frequently impeached or facing significant social unrest. This constant turmoil has eroded public trust in democratic institutions and created fertile ground for both political corruption and the unchecked growth of organized crime. The anti-crime protests reflect a broader sentiment that politicians are failing to deliver basic security and justice, perpetuating a cycle of frustration and protest that new leaders, like Jeri, struggle to break.
The Road Ahead for Peru
The protests against President Jeri serve as a stark reminder of the deep-seated problems Peru faces. With elections scheduled for next July, the nation is in a precarious political holding pattern. The widespread public outcry for effective governance, an end to corruption, and genuine security measures presents a formidable challenge to Jeri’s interim administration. Addressing these grievances will require not only decisive action against crime but also a significant effort to restore trust in Peru’s fractured political institutions, a task that has proven elusive for successive leaders.
