Peru’s Congress ousts President Boluarte amid nationwide crime surge

Peru’s political landscape was thrown into further turmoil as Congress voted late Thursday to remove President Dina Boluarte, one of the world’s most unpopular leaders, amid a severe wave of crime sweeping the country. The decision followed a summons issued by Congress, calling Boluarte to defend herself before lawmakers at 11:30 pm (0430 GMT). She ignored the summons, prompting legislators to initiate a rapid impeachment process. In the vote, 124 lawmakers supported her removal, citing her “moral incapacity” and inability to effectively govern, particularly in curbing rising crime. With no vice president to assume office, Congress President Jose Jeri was immediately sworn in as the new president, despite facing ongoing rape charges himself.

The decision to impeach Boluarte reflects both widespread public dissatisfaction and political consensus across parties. Unlike previous attempts, which were largely fragmented or opposed by some factions, almost all legislative groups—including right-wing parties that had previously supported her—endorsed her removal. Boluarte, 63, has faced criticism for alleged corruption and self-enrichment, with approval ratings ranging from 2% to 4%, underscoring her deep unpopularity. Lawmakers cited her disrespectful behavior in ignoring the summons as an additional reason for her ouster, signaling frustration with her lack of accountability.

Boluarte’s rise to power in December 2022 followed the controversial removal of her predecessor, President Pedro Castillo, under whom she served as vice president. Castillo had attempted to dissolve Congress and was subsequently ousted and arrested, triggering widespread unrest. His removal set off months of deadly protests, particularly affecting rural and indigenous communities, which were met with heavy-handed responses by Boluarte’s government. This established a pattern of political instability and civil unrest that persisted throughout her tenure.

The latest impeachment comes amid a national crime surge, exemplified by a shooting at a concert in the capital that intensified public anger. Legislators cited her government’s inability to address the crime wave as a central justification for her removal. The decision also highlights the revolving-door nature of leadership in Peru; since 2018, the Andean nation has seen six presidents, reflecting chronic political instability. Analysts note that Boluarte’s removal occurs just six months ahead of the next presidential election, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile political environment.

The impeachment process and rapid transfer of power underscore systemic challenges within Peru’s political system, including weak institutions, frequent leadership changes, and governance failures. Boluarte’s tenure, marked by low approval ratings, accusations of corruption, and heavy-handed responses to public dissent, epitomizes the broader crisis of leadership. Meanwhile, the ascension of Jeri, despite his legal controversies, raises questions about accountability and the quality of governance moving forward.

Overall, Boluarte’s removal illustrates the interconnection between political instability and societal unrest in Peru. It highlights how failure to address public grievances, widespread crime, and governance inefficiency can culminate in rapid political upheaval. As the country approaches the next presidential election, these developments point to continued uncertainty and challenges in restoring political stability, reinforcing Peru’s long-standing struggle with leadership volatility, social tension, and institutional fragility. The political crisis remains deeply entwined with social dissatisfaction, crime, and the consequences of successive leaders’ failures to maintain public trust.

In summary, Dina Boluarte’s impeachment marks another episode in Peru’s ongoing cycle of political turbulence, reflecting deep public dissatisfaction, legislative consensus against ineffective leadership, and the nation’s struggle to manage crime, social unrest, and institutional instability. Her removal, while legally and politically justified, continues the pattern of short-lived presidencies and underscores the fragility of Peru’s democratic and governance structures.