Peru’s Congress Ousts President Boluarte in Midnight Vote
Peru’s Congress has voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office in a late-night session, marking the latest episode in the country’s prolonged political turmoil. Lawmakers accused the embattled leader of “moral incapacity” and proceeded with an impeachment vote after she failed to appear before Congress to defend herself.
Boluarte, who faced intense criticism over her government’s inability to address rising crime and insecurity, was ousted shortly after midnight on Friday, with 124 lawmakers voting in favour of her removal. The decision came just hours after political parties from across the spectrum demanded her impeachment amid growing public anger following a deadly shooting at a concert in Lima.
With no vice president in place to assume power, Congress President Jose Jeri was sworn in as Peru’s new head of state. The change in leadership adds to the nation’s revolving door of presidents, with six leaders having taken office since 2018.
Boluarte, 63, was among the world’s least popular leaders, with approval ratings hovering between 2 and 4 percent. She faced allegations of illicit enrichment and accusations of excessive use of force during deadly protests following the removal of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, in 2022.
The ousted leader had risen to power after Castillo, under whom she served as vice president, was arrested for attempting to dissolve Congress. Her administration, however, struggled to maintain stability and was repeatedly targeted by impeachment motions—none of which had succeeded until now.
The removal has plunged Peru into yet another political crisis just six months ahead of the next presidential election, with lawmakers and citizens divided over the country’s direction as insecurity and public distrust deepen.
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