Dina Boluarte Removed from Office: Peru's Political Crisis Deepens

In a dramatic turn of events, Peru's Congress voted overwhelmingly to remove President Dina Boluarte from office on October 10, 2025, marking the end of one of the world's most unpopular presidencies. With approval ratings hovering between 2-4%, Boluarte's presidency was plagued by scandals, protests, and a surge in criminal violence that ultimately led to her downfall.

The Historic Impeachment Vote That Changed Peru

On the night of October 9, 2025, Peru's Congress convened an emergency session that would forever change the country's political landscape. In an overwhelming display of cross-party unity, 122 out of 130 lawmakers voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, citing "permanent moral incapacity" to govern effectively.

The impeachment process moved with unprecedented speed. After various political blocs presented motions for Boluarte's removal earlier that day, lawmakers summoned her to defend herself before Congress. When she failed to appear, the legislative body proceeded with the rapid impeachment process, requiring no additional procedural delays.

Cross-Party Coalition Against Boluarte

What made this impeachment particularly significant was the broad coalition that supported it. Even conservative parties that had historically backed Boluarte, including Rafael López's Popular Renewal and Keiko Fujimori's Popular Force, turned against the embattled president. This political realignment demonstrated the extent of Boluarte's isolation and the severity of Peru's governance crisis.

Who is Dina Boluarte? Peru's First Female President

Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra was born on May 31, 1962, in Chalhuanca, Peru. A lawyer and civil servant by training, she made history in December 2022 when she became Peru's first female president. However, her path to the presidency was unconventional and marked by political turmoil.

Boluarte originally served as vice president under Pedro Castillo, who was elected in 2021. When Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress in December 2022 to avoid his own impeachment, he was immediately arrested and removed from office. As vice president, Boluarte automatically assumed the presidency, inheriting a deeply divided nation and numerous political challenges.

Early Political Career

Before reaching Peru's highest office, Boluarte served as Minister of Development and Social Inclusion from 2021 to 2022. Her legal background and experience in public administration were seen as assets, but her presidency would be defined by crisis management rather than policy achievements.

Major Scandals That Defined Boluarte's Presidency

Boluarte's tenure was marked by a series of scandals that eroded public trust and political support. These controversies ranged from allegations of corruption to questions about her commitment to democratic governance.

The "Rolexgate" Scandal

Perhaps the most damaging scandal involved accusations that Boluarte accepted luxury Rolex watches and jewelry as bribes. The "Rolexgate" controversy raised questions about illicit enrichment and corruption at the highest levels of government. Despite denying all allegations, the scandal became a symbol of perceived presidential misconduct.

Plastic Surgery Controversy

In one of the most unusual political scandals in recent memory, Boluarte was accused of abandoning her presidential duties to undergo cosmetic nose surgery in 2023. The controversy centered on her failure to inform Congress or delegate her powers during her nearly two-week absence, as constitutionally required. While she claimed the surgery was "essential" for her health, the surgeon involved contradicted this, stating the procedures were purely cosmetic.

Deadly Protest Crackdown

The most serious allegations against Boluarte concerned the deaths of more than 60 people during government security forces' crackdown on protests following Pedro Castillo's ouster in December 2022. Human rights groups accused her administration of using excessive force to suppress demonstrations, leading to investigations for "genocide, qualified homicide, and serious injuries."

Peru's Escalating Crime Crisis

Beyond the political scandals, Boluarte's presidency was overshadowed by a dramatic surge in criminal violence that gripped Peru. Gang-related crime reached alarming levels, prompting the government to declare states of emergency in Lima and other regions.

The security crisis reached a tipping point when members of the popular cumbia music group Agua Marina were injured in a shooting during a concert at a Peruvian military venue. This incident, occurring just hours before the impeachment vote, symbolized the government's failure to address the crime wave effectively.

Economic Impact of Rising Crime

The surge in criminal activity had significant economic consequences, affecting tourism, business confidence, and daily life for millions of Peruvians. Lawmakers cited these economic impacts as additional justification for Boluarte's removal, arguing that her administration had failed to provide basic security for citizens.

José Jerí Takes Power: A New Chapter for Peru

Within hours of Boluarte's removal, Congress President José Jerí Oré was sworn in as Peru's new president. At 38 years old, the member of the conservative Somos Peru party becomes one of the world's youngest heads of state and faces the daunting task of addressing the country's multiple crises.

In his first address as president, Jerí struck a tough tone on security issues, declaring that "the main enemy is out there on the streets: criminal gangs" and vowing to "declare war on crime." His immediate focus appears to be addressing the security crisis that contributed to his predecessor's downfall.

Constitutional Requirements and Elections

Under Peru's constitution, Jerí must call new elections, though the timeline for this process remains unclear. His appointment as interim president marks Peru's seventh change in leadership since 2016, highlighting the country's ongoing political instability.

Peru's Pattern of Political Instability

Boluarte's removal continues a troubling pattern of political instability that has plagued Peru for decades. Since 2000, no fewer than seven presidents have faced legal challenges, corruption allegations, or human rights abuse accusations. One former president even took his own life when police were closing in on him.

This revolving door of leadership has hindered Peru's development and damaged its democratic institutions. The frequent changes in government make long-term policy planning difficult and contribute to public cynicism about the political system.

Three Former Presidents Behind Bars

The extent of Peru's political crisis is illustrated by the fact that three former presidents are currently imprisoned. This unprecedented situation reflects the depth of corruption and abuse of power that has characterized Peruvian politics in recent decades.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dina Boluarte's Removal

Why was Dina Boluarte removed from office?

Boluarte was removed on grounds of "permanent moral incapacity" due to multiple scandals including corruption allegations, her handling of deadly protests, and failure to address Peru's crime crisis. Her approval ratings had plummeted to just 2-4%.

How did Dina Boluarte become president?

Boluarte became president in December 2022 when she was vice president under Pedro Castillo. She automatically assumed the presidency after Castillo was impeached and arrested for attempting to dissolve Congress.

What is the "Rolexgate" scandal?

"Rolexgate" refers to allegations that Boluarte accepted luxury Rolex watches and jewelry as bribes. The scandal raised questions about corruption and illicit enrichment during her presidency.

Who is José Jerí and what are his priorities?

José Jerí is the 38-year-old Congress President who was sworn in as Peru's new president. A member of the conservative Somos Peru party, he has vowed to "declare war on crime" and address the security crisis facing the country.

How many Peruvian presidents have faced legal troubles?

Since 2000, seven Peruvian presidents have faced legal challenges, corruption allegations, or human rights abuse accusations. Three former presidents are currently imprisoned, highlighting the extent of political corruption.

The Road Ahead for Peru

Dina Boluarte's removal from office marks another chapter in Peru's tumultuous political history. While her departure may provide temporary relief from the scandals and crises that defined her presidency, the underlying problems that plague Peruvian democracy remain unchanged.

The new president, José Jerí, faces enormous challenges including addressing the crime crisis, restoring public trust in government, and preparing for new elections. Whether Peru can break its cycle of political instability and corruption will depend on the ability of its leaders to implement meaningful reforms and prioritize the needs of its citizens over personal gain.

As Peru enters this new phase, the international community will be watching closely to see whether the country can finally achieve the political stability and effective governance that its people deserve.

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