Peru’s political instability deepened on Friday as lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, ending a turbulent tenure marred by protests, corruption allegations, and a surge in violent crime.
Boluarte, who took power less than two years ago, was impeached after refusing to appear before Congress for a late-night hearing on charges of “permanent moral incapacity.”
The dramatic vote took place during an all-night session in Lima, where 118 members of Congress, including several who once supported her administration, voted for impeachment.
“The president’s impeachment has been approved,” announced Congress leader José Jeri, who is expected to assume interim leadership until fresh elections are held in April 2026.
Boluarte, 62, had been summoned to appear before lawmakers at 11:30 p.m. Thursday (4:30 a.m. GMT Friday) but did not attend, drawing sharp criticism from opposition and allied legislators alike.
Her removal capped nearly two years of unrest since she succeeded Pedro Castillo in December 2022, after his failed attempt to dissolve Congress led to his own impeachment and imprisonment.
Boluarte’s tenure was defined by deadly anti-government protests, corruption probes, and mounting dissatisfaction over her inability to stem gang violence and extortion-related killings sweeping the country.
She had already survived multiple impeachment attempts before Friday’s decisive vote.
Boluarte’s credibility began to unravel after prosecutors opened investigations into her alleged failure to declare luxury watches and jewellery, a controversy dubbed Rolexgate.
She also sparked public outrage in July when she approved a significant pay increase for herself, even as economic hardship gripped the country.
“Peruvians are struggling to eat while the president is rewarding herself with higher pay,” one protester said during a demonstration in Lima last month.
Fresh protests erupted in September after the government passed a controversial law compelling young workers to contribute to private pension funds, despite the nation’s 70 per cent unofficial employment rate and widespread job insecurity.
Civil society groups and student organisations have since joined labour unions in calling for early elections and constitutional reforms.
“We have no stable jobs, and now they want to take part of our income,” said student activist Maria Huamán during a rally in Cusco.
“Enough of corrupt politicians.”
Peru has also witnessed a sharp increase in extortion, kidnappings, and assassinations linked to organised crime groups. Analysts blame economic inequality and porous borders for the surge in criminal networks.
“This government failed to confront the crisis,” said security expert Carlos Reategui. “Communities feel abandoned.”
Six Presidents in Nine Years
Naijaonpoint reports that Boluarte’s ouster adds to Peru’s reputation for political volatility: the country has now had six presidents in just nine years.
Her approval ratings had plunged below 15 per cent before Friday’s vote.
With Congress leader José Jeri likely to serve as interim president, attention now turns to how Peru will navigate yet another leadership transition ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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