Boluarte Removed as Peru Faces Unrest and Crime Surge
Peru’s political turmoil deepened as Congress voted late Thursday night to remove President Dina Boluarte on grounds of “moral incapacity.” The decision followed weeks of rising public anger over crime, corruption, and leadership failures. Boluarte, one of the world’s least popular leaders, was ousted after refusing to attend a congressional hearing scheduled to defend her presidency.
Lawmakers moved swiftly, with 124 members voting in favour of her removal, citing her administration’s inability to restore order amid escalating violence. Boluarte’s failure to respond to the legislative summons was deemed “disrespectful,” prompting immediate impeachment proceedings and a new power transition.
Jose Jeri Sworn In as Peru’s New President
Following Boluarte’s ouster, Congress President Jose Jeri was sworn in as interim president, continuing Peru’s revolving door of leadership. Since 2018, the nation has seen six presidents, reflecting chronic instability and deep political division. Jeri’s appointment, however, comes with controversy of its own—he faces rape accusations, further intensifying the public’s distrust in government leadership.
Public Anger Erupts Over Crime and Corruption
Boluarte’s removal followed a surge of nationwide frustration after a shooting at a concert in Lima underscored the worsening crime wave. Citizens have expressed growing alarm over rampant extortion, gang violence, and police inefficiency. Lawmakers from both left and right-wing parties united in accusing the former president of neglecting her duty to protect citizens and ensure safety.
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The End of a Deeply Unpopular Presidency
Boluarte’s approval ratings had plummeted to as low as 2%, making her one of the least supported leaders globally. Accusations of corruption, including illicit enrichment, had eroded confidence in her administration. Many Peruvians viewed her government as detached from everyday struggles, particularly as living costs rose and employment stagnated.
Legacy of Violence and Polarisation
Boluarte ascended to power in December 2022 after the ouster of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, who was arrested for attempting to dissolve Congress. Her presidency was marred by months of deadly protests, especially in rural and Indigenous regions, where demonstrators accused the government of human rights abuses. Security forces’ heavy-handed tactics during these protests left deep scars on the population’s trust in the state.
Lawmakers Unite After Eight Failed Attempts
Unlike the eight previous efforts to unseat Boluarte, this impeachment succeeded because it drew support from nearly all political factions. Even right-wing parties, once her key allies, turned against her amid rising violence and economic stagnation. Legislators claimed the government had lost credibility both domestically and internationally, leaving impeachment as the only viable path forward.
Another Chapter in Peru’s Political Crisis
Boluarte’s removal plunges Peru further into uncertainty just six months before presidential elections. With another abrupt power shift, concerns are growing over the country’s ability to maintain democratic stability. Analysts warn that persistent corruption, weak governance, and public anger could fuel renewed protests and deepen mistrust in the political system.
Conclusion: A Nation in Search of Stability
Peru’s latest political upheaval marks another step in its long struggle with instability. The fall of Dina Boluarte highlights a broader crisis of governance, where corruption, crime, and public disillusionment continue to dominate the national landscape. As Jose Jeri assumes power, Peruvians face a familiar question—whether their government can finally deliver security, transparency, and lasting reform amid growing chaos.
