Peruvian lawmakers have voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office after months of public anger over the country’s worsening crime rate and political scandals.
The late-night session in Lima ended with a majority vote to impeach the president on grounds of “permanent moral incapacity.”
Out of the 130 members of Congress, 118 backed the motion, sealing Boluarte’s fate after she refused to appear before lawmakers to defend herself.
Congress leader José Jerí immediately announced, “The president’s impeachment has been approved,” before taking the oath as interim president. He will oversee the country until new elections scheduled for April 2026.
Boluarte’s presidency, which began in December 2022, has been dogged by protests, corruption allegations, and surging gang violence. Her failure to reduce crime including rising cases of extortion and murder linked to organised groups, sparked widespread frustration among Peruvians.
She had already survived several impeachment attempts before Friday’s vote. This latest one followed weeks of demonstrations against a controversial pension reform law and outrage over reports that she accepted luxury watches and jewellery, a scandal widely known as “Rolexgate.”
Boluarte also drew criticism earlier this year for awarding herself a significant pay rise, even as unemployment and inflation worsened across the country.
As of the time of this press report, former President Boluarte remained silent on her removal, while security forces increased patrols around government buildings amid fears of renewed protests.
