Peru’s Congress ousts President Boluarte amid nationwide crime surge

Peru’s Congress voted late Thursday to remove President Dina Boluarte for “moral incapacity” after she ignored a summons amid a worsening crime wave. Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported her impeachment, and with no vice president, Congress President Jose Jeri—himself facing rape charges—was sworn in as the new president. Boluarte, one of the world’s least popular leaders with approval ratings near 2–4%, faced criticism for failing to curb crime and alleged corruption. Her ouster continues Peru’s political instability, with six presidents since 2018. Boluarte came to power in 2022 after President Pedro Castillo’s removal, which triggered deadly nationwide protests.