Peru's Congress Removes President Dina Boluarte Amid Corruption Scandals

In a decisive move on October 10, 2025, Peru's Congress voted unanimously to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, citing "permanent moral incapacity" due to her administration's failure to address escalating crime rates and multiple corruption allegations. The 122–0 vote led to the immediate swearing-in of José Jerí, the president of Congress, as interim president, marking the country's seventh leader in less than a decade.

Boluarte, who did not attend the impeachment hearing, had been facing mounting criticism over her handling of the nation's security crisis. Between January and mid-August 2025, Peru recorded over 6,000 homicides, the highest number during that period since 2017. Extortion complaints also surged, totaling 15,989 between January and July, a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Public dissatisfaction was further fueled by corruption scandals, including allegations that Boluarte failed to declare luxury gifts, such as high-end watches, leading to the "Rolexgate" controversy.

Boluarte's presidency began in December 2022 after the impeachment of Pedro Castillo, who was removed from office following an attempt to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. Her tenure was marked by widespread protests and a significant decline in public approval, with ratings plummeting to between 2% and 4% by mid-2025. Critics accused her of failing to curb rising crime and of being embroiled in corruption, further eroding public trust.

The impeachment process was swift. Lawmakers convened a late-night session on October 9, 2025, to debate Boluarte's removal. Despite being summoned to defend herself, she did not appear before Congress, allowing legislators to proceed with the vote unimpeded. The unanimous decision underscored the broad consensus among political factions regarding her unfitness to govern.

José Jerí, a 38-year-old lawyer with limited political experience, assumed the presidency immediately after the vote. In his inaugural address, Jerí emphasized the urgent need to tackle the nation's security challenges. "The evil that afflicts us in this moment is insecurity in the streets, the criminal gangs, the criminal organizations," he stated. "They are today our enemies, and, as enemies, we must declare war on nationwide crime."

Jerí's ascent to the presidency was unexpected. In August, he had expressed reluctance to replace Boluarte if she were impeached, citing a belief in "presidential institutionality" and the proximity to the end of her term. However, the escalating crisis and Boluarte's removal necessitated his assumption of the role.

The political upheaval has raised concerns about Peru's stability. The nation has experienced frequent leadership changes, with seven presidents in less than a decade. This pattern of instability has implications for governance, economic confidence, and international relations.

In the wake of Boluarte's removal, the Attorney General's Office initiated investigations into allegations of money laundering and corruption against her. One case involves purported money funneled through Boluarte before her presidency to a fugitive political party leader. Another pertains to accusations that she used her influence as president to favor friends, including a plastic surgeon who performed a secret nose job in 2023.

Public reaction to Boluarte's ousting has been mixed. While some citizens view her removal as a necessary step toward addressing corruption and insecurity, others remain skeptical about the prospects for meaningful change. The upcoming general elections, scheduled for April 2026, are anticipated to be highly contested, with potential candidates like Rafael López Aliaga, the former mayor of Lima, already announcing their intentions to run.

As interim president, Jerí faces the formidable task of restoring public trust, addressing the security crisis, and ensuring a transparent electoral process. His ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining Peru's path toward stability and democratic governance.