Lima — Peru has entered yet another chapter of political upheaval and social unrest. On October 22, 2025, interim President José Jerí declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and the neighboring Callao province, as the nation grapples with an alarming spike in violent crime, deep-seated corruption, and mounting public frustration with its political elite.
The declaration allows the armed forces to support police operations, temporarily suspends certain constitutional rights, and underscores how insecurity has become Peru’s dominant national concern overtaking even its long-standing political instability.
Background: A Crisis Years in the Making
The security situation in Peru has deteriorated sharply over the past year. Police data show a steep rise in murders, kidnappings, and extortion, particularly in Lima’s outer districts and the port of Callao , key hubs for drug trafficking and organized crime.
According to Peru’s Ministry of the Interior, homicides rose by more than 12% in 2025, while complaints of extortion jumped nearly 40% compared with 2024. Businesses, particularly in construction, transport, and retail, report widespread racketeering.
For ordinary Peruvians, insecurity has become part of daily life. “Every day we open our shops wondering if we’ll be extorted or robbed,” said a small business owner in San Martín de Porres, quoted by La República.
This climate of fear was a key factor behind the impeachment of former president Dina Boluarte on October 10, 2025, whose administration was accused of neglecting public safety and being riddled with corruption scandals. Her removal paved the way for then-Interior Minister José Jerí to assume interim leadership.
Protests and Public Anger
The declaration of emergency comes amid nationwide protests demanding deeper political reform and immediate action against crime.
The demonstrations led prominently by Generation Z activists, university students, and transport workers reflect an emerging alliance between Peru’s youth and working-class sectors. Many protesters accuse the government and Congress of being disconnected, self-serving, and complicit in corruption networks that fuel insecurity.
In Lima, protests turned violent last week, leaving one person dead and more than 100 injured, according to local media. Demonstrators have called for Jeri's resignation, early elections, and even the dissolution of Congress, which many view as an institution of impunity.
“We are not just protesting crime we are protesting the system that allows crime to thrive,” said a young activist from the group Generación Libre on social media.
Scope of the State of Emergency
Under the emergency decree:
- The military is authorized to patrol the streets alongside the national police.
- Freedom of assembly and movement may be restricted, and authorities can enter private residences without warrants in some cases.
- Curfew measures may be implemented in high-crime zones.
- Police operations will intensify against drug cartels, extortion rings, and illegal arms trade.
The Ministry of Defense stated that more than 10,000 troops are on standby to reinforce police patrols in Lima’s northern and southern districts , areas most affected by organized criminal activity.
President Jerí defended the decision, stating:
“This is not a war against our citizens, but a war for their security. Peruvians deserve to live without fear.”
Criticism and Concerns
While some Peruvians welcome the move as overdue, civil society organizations and human rights groups have voiced alarm over potential abuses.
The National Human Rights Coordinator (CNDDHH) warned that “the militarization of public security could lead to violations of due process and freedom of expression.”
Analysts also question whether emergency measures will yield lasting results. Peru has declared similar states of emergency over the past decade , particularly in the mining corridor and northern provinces yet crime has continued to rise.
“These measures treat the symptoms, not the causes,” said political analyst Verónica Ugarte of the Universidad del Pacífico. “Until there’s judicial reform, local governance, and job creation, criminal networks will simply adapt.”
Economic and Political Fallout
The crisis is already affecting investor confidence. The Lima Stock Exchange saw a 1.7% drop the day after the declaration, while the Peruvian sol weakened slightly against the U.S. dollar.
Meanwhile, tourism operators have reported cancellations, and business chambers warn that continuous unrest could jeopardize Peru’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
Politically, Jeri's administration remains fragile. Without a solid party base in Congress, he faces an uphill battle to pass anti-corruption or justice reform bills. Many Peruvians fear a return to the cycle of short-lived presidencies that has plagued the country since 2018.
A Youth-Led Push for Reform
Despite the crackdown, protests show no sign of abating. Social media has become a central organizing platform for Generation Z activists, who are reframing the debate from crime control to systemic accountability.
Online hashtags such as #SeguridadSinCorrupción (“Security Without Corruption”) and #NuevaRepública (“New Republic”) have gone viral, calling for a generational shift in leadership and transparency in how crime is tackled.
Their demands extend beyond policing , activists are pushing for educational reform, youth employment, and an end to impunity for corrupt officials.
Looking Ahead
As the 30-day emergency unfolds, the stakes for President Jerí could not be higher. If the measures fail to reduce crime or trigger further protests, his interim government could collapse as quickly as his predecessor’s.
For many Peruvians, the issue now transcends any single administration. The crisis has exposed a deeper truth: crime, corruption, and political instability are interconnected, and solving one without addressing the others may prove impossible.
“Peru is at a crossroads,” said sociologist Gabriela Mendoza. “The question is whether the government will rebuild trust or deepen the divide between the state and its people.”
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