on Thursday stated that the country's stability must be maintained through dialogue.
Likewise, the Head of State announced that he will request powers from Congress to legislate on security matters.
"I reiterate, I agree that citizens have the right to protest, but for now, let's act responsibly and not allow a small group to attempt to impose agendas that differ from a legitimate citizen expression of discontent," he said in a statement at Congress headquarters after meeting with its board.
The President began his address by lamenting the death of Eduardo Ruiz Saenz, a 32-year-old man, during the march in downtown Lima last night.
"We express our solidarity with his family at this time," he expressed.
The top official stated that yesterday's protest was a legitimate citizen expression. However, as the hours went by, some groups showed that their agenda was to generate chaos, taking advantage of a citizen's free expression of discontent.
"In a State governed by the rule of law, the rights of everyone are protected —both of the demonstrators and of the law enforcement officers," Mr. Jeri stated.
"That small group sought to create chaos, and as a result, we now mourn that tragic death, which occurred outside the main area where the citizen demonstration was taking place," he added.
Within this framework, the President said he had inherited a country with multiple demands that had gone unaddressed for many years.
However, he noted that it is the duty of authorities to act responsibly and seek dialogue to achieve national unity.
"These are difficult times; the moment in which we have assumed this responsibility is by no means easy," Mr. Jeri said.
"Today we must maintain our country's stability through dialogue in order to seek unity. I reiterate, I agree that people —citizens—demonstrate, and we as the State guarantee that right," he added.
Legislative powers
President Jeri specified that he informed the Congress' Board that, based on preliminary coordination with the Council of Ministers, he will request legislative powers to enact measures on citizen security.
"As a government of unity, dialogue, and national reconciliation, we will continue working to put an end to citizen insecurity, which is the main problem today," he pointed out.
Moreover, the top official said he will redouble efforts to confront extortionists, hitmen, and any criminal seeking to disturb the population's peace.
He will not resign
Upon his return to the Government Palace and when asked by the press about a possible resignation, the President said that he will not step down.
"It is my responsibility to maintain the country's stability. I am fully convinced that, by working together, we can achieve it," Mr. Jeri stated.
Moreover, the Head of State urged Congress members promoting a motion to remove Congress' Board to be "extremely responsible with their vote."
The top official also announced that legislation is planned on matters related to prisons, under the legislative powers that will be requested from Congress.
When asked whether agents from the Terna unit participated in containing yesterday's protest, he stated that the Interior Minister informed him they had not taken part.
The President added that it will be the investigations carried out by the Prosecutor's Office that determine the exact circumstances of this unfortunate event.