Peruvian President Dina Boluarte narrowly avoided impeachment on corruption charges related to a luxury Rolex and jewelry collection worth nearly half a million dollars. This comes in a country where impeachments based on “moral incapacity” have become common, with six presidents ousted since 2018. Boluarte, who took office after her predecessor Pedro Castillo was impeached, faced multiple attempts to remove her from office.
Castillo, a schoolteacher from Peru’s Indigenous community, was impeached after he attempted to dissolve Congress in December 2022. Human rights observers have noted a deterioration in corruption and government repression since his arrest. Boluarte initially proposed a fast-track presidential election but later decided to complete her five-year term. She has faced criticism for cracking down on protesters and being accused of extrajudicial killings in response to unrest.
Amnesty International and other human rights groups have raised concerns about the government’s response to protests and Boluarte’s continued tenure in office. Investigations into Boluarte’s alleged illicit enrichment, including expensive watches and jewelry, have expanded to include bank deposits of unknown origin. The probe began after a YouTube show highlighted her collection of high-end watches. Despite the controversy, Boluarte has denied any wrongdoing and is set to give testimony in the case.
With approval ratings of just 9 percent for both Congress and Boluarte, according to a recent poll, the political situation in Peru remains precarious. The legislature recently approved Boluarte’s third cabinet in 16 months, following several resignations after a police raid at her residence. The ongoing political turmoil has led to uncertainty among the public and potential further government instability.
Efforts to impeach Boluarte have thus far been unsuccessful, with Congress twice rejecting motions to bring her impeachment up for debate. The vague “moral incapacity” provision in the Peruvian Constitution allows for impeachment without proof of legal wrongdoing, requiring only 87 votes in the 130-member chamber. Despite facing challenges, Boluarte remains in office as the country grapples with political turmoil and uncertainty. The future of Peru’s leadership and governance hangs in the balance as investigations into corruption and government repression continue.
