In a decisive move, Peru’s Congress has voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, following an emergency session convened to discuss her impeachment. The decision came as an overwhelming majority of lawmakers, amounting to 122 out of 130, supported her ousting, citing “permanent moral incapacity” as the grounds for their action.
In a televised speech subsequent to the vote, Boluarte expressed concern about the implications of her removal for the stability of Peru’s democracy. Her presidency, which has been characterized by a significant decline in public support—with approval ratings as low as 2-4%—has faced numerous challenges, including widespread protests, scandals, and increased gang violence.
Escalating anti-government protests
The past few months have seen a surge in anti-government demonstrations, fueled by rampant crime rates. Tensions escalated further on Thursday following a shooting incident at a concert in the capital city, Lima, which reignited public anger against her administration. The Congress’s resolution to impeach Boluarte was voted on after several motions were presented, all of which garnered substantial support among lawmakers.
Following the approval of her removal, Jose Jeri, the Congress leader, was sworn in as the interim president, as Peru currently lacks a vice president. Boluarte did not attend the Congress session during which her impeachment was debated, but outside the Congress building, jubilant protesters brandishing Peruvian flags erupted in cheers upon hearing the news of her ousting.
“At all times I have called for unity,” Boluarte stated after her removal, adding, “In this context, I had not thought of myself but of the more than 34 million Peruvians who deserve better.”
Controversies and challenges during her presidency
Boluarte’s time in office has been marked by significant turmoil, beginning with her ascent to power in December 2022, when she succeeded former President Pedro Castillo, who was impeached following an attempt to dissolve Congress. She became the country’s first female president and its sixth leader since 2018, with three former presidents currently incarcerated.
In the initial months of her presidency, Boluarte faced growing scrutiny, including several investigations into allegations of corruption, one of which involved claims that she accepted luxury watches as bribes in a case referred to as “Rolexgate.” Additionally, she has been under investigation for her response to the protests, which resulted in the deaths of over 50 of Castillo’s supporters due to government actions.
Her controversial decision to significantly increase her salary—reportedly to nearly 35 times the monthly minimum wage—further fueled public outrage. Critics highlighted that her salary was among the lowest in comparison to her counterparts in South America.
As the political landscape changes rapidly, Boluarte’s impeachment marks a pivotal moment in Peru’s governance, as calls for new elections continue to intensify ahead of the upcoming elections scheduled for next April.