Peruvian Congress Ousts President Dina Boluarte Amid Soaring Crime and Corruption Scandals
Peru's Congress has overwhelmingly voted to impeach President Dina Boluarte, marking the end of her deeply unpopular term. Amid increasing crime rates and corruption scandals, congressional chief Jose Jeri has been sworn in as her replacement. The move comes after repeated attempts to remove Boluarte from office, with this being the first successful attempt that saw almost all legislative factions supporting the move.
Background and Context
Dina Boluarte, Peru's most unpopular leader in recent history, has been heavily criticized for her inability to curb the increasing crime rates in the South American nation. Her term was marked by protests and accusations of failing to stem crime. Boluarte saw her public approval collapse to as low as 2% amid allegations of bribery, responsibility for lethal crackdowns on protesters, and other corruption scandals, all of which she denied.
Key Developments
The impeachment process involved four requests for a vote to remove Boluarte from office. Each exceeded the minimum 56 votes required, setting up a debate and impeachment trial in the 130-member unicameral Congress. The lawmakers then voted unanimously, 124-0, invoking a constitutional clause of permanent moral incapacity
to declare the presidency vacant.
Congress leader Jose Jeri was then sworn in as Peru's new president until July 2026. At 38 years old, the lawyer and member of the 'Somos Perú' faction has vowed to take a firm hand on crime.
Implications and Reactions
The ousting of Boluarte follows a string of political scandals and growing public outrage over crime in Peru. It also opens a new chapter of political instability in Peru, a country that has witnessed seven presidents over the last nine years.
Boluarte's dismissal also brings legal implications. Since losing presidential immunity, she is facing charges ranging from illicit enrichment to qualified homicide. The Peruvian prosecutor's office is investigating her in two cases related to money laundering and corruption. Rumors about her seeking asylum at the embassies of Argentina, Brazil, or Ecuador have been circulating, but her lawyer has denied these claims.
Current Status
As of now, Jose Jeri is serving as the interim president of Peru. He has promised to wage war on crime, a key issue that led to the downfall of his predecessor. He will be in office until July 26, 2026. Amidst the political turbulence, Peru looks forward to stability and a strong hand in curbing crime under the new leadership.