In a dramatic turn of events, Peru’s Congress has voted to impeach President Dina Boluarte, marking another chapter in the country’s ongoing political instability.
The decision comes after months of mounting public dissatisfaction, rising crime and multiple scandals linked to Boluarte’s administration.
Late Thursday night, lawmakers held an extraordinary session where Boluarte was summoned to respond to charges of “permanent moral incapacity” to govern.
However, she declined to attend the 11:30 p.m. hearing, prompting a swift vote that resulted in 118 legislators supporting her removal.
Congressional leader Jose Jeri has since been sworn in as Peru’s interim president and is expected to remain in office until the scheduled general elections in April 2026.
Boluarte, who assumed power in December 2022 after the impeachment of former president Pedro Castillo, has faced persistent protests and political backlash.
Her time in office has been marred by several controversies, including a “Rolexgate” scandal involving undeclared luxury gifts and a controversial self-approved pay hike in July.
A recent law passed on September 5, which forces young people to contribute to private pension schemes despite precarious employment conditions, triggered a new wave of protests.
This unrest has been further fueled by a surge in violent crime and gang activity.
The former president’s approval ratings had sunk significantly, and she had already survived multiple impeachment attempts before this final vote.
Peru has now seen six presidents in just nine years, underscoring the deep-rooted political volatility in the South American nation.
