Peru’s new president, José Geri, is facing widespread protests and calls for his resignation just weeks into his tenure, marked by a death, over 100 injuries, and deep public distrust in the government.
Geri, who took office on October 10, has refused to step down amid the escalating unrest. He asserted his responsibility is to maintain national stability and pledged to seek special powers to combat crime.
The unrest has resulted in the death of 32-year-old hip-hop singer Eduardo Ruiz, who was shot during a rally in the capital, Lima. Peru’s prosecutor’s office announced an investigation into Ruiz’s death on Thursday, ordering an examination of his body and the collection of ballistic and visual evidence, citing concerns about serious human rights violations.
Witnesses claim Ruiz was shot by an plainclothes police officer who infiltrated the protest group, with CCTV footage showing Ruiz collapsing on a Lima street after being hit by a man fleeing the crowd. The protests have also injured approximately 100 people, including at least 24 demonstrators, 80 police officers, six journalists hit by pellets, and four journalists reportedly assaulted by police.
The demonstrations, which began a month ago over demands for better pensions and wages for young people, have broadened to encompass long-standing public frustration with crime, corruption, and a pervasive lack of confidence in government. Protesters have chanted slogans like “Geri is a murderer,” reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the political transition.
Geri, 38, ascended to the presidency after his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, was impeached due to her failure to control crime and a violent crackdown on 2022 protests that resulted in over 50 deaths. Geri, who was Parliament President at the time, promised to tackle crime upon taking office.
His administration has quickly drawn controversy, notably with his appointment of ultra-conservative former judge Ernesto Álvarez as Prime Minister. Álvarez has previously described Peru’s Gen Z as a “gang seeking to seize democracy by storm,” dismissing them as not representing “young people who study and work.”
Geri himself has faced criticism over past allegations of rape, though he was acquitted in August. He also voted for six laws that experts claim undermine anti-crime efforts, prompting protesters to demand their repeal.