Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has faced multiple attempts at impeachment on corruption charges related to a luxury Rolex and jewelry collection estimated at nearly half a million dollars. The Peruvian Constitution allows for impeachment on grounds of “moral incapacity,” without requiring proof of legal wrongdoing. Efforts to impeach leaders have become increasingly common in the country, which has seen six presidents since 2018.
Boluarte, who became president after her predecessor Pedro Castillo was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress, has faced protests from Castillo’s supporters who believe he was unjustly targeted. She initially expressed a willingness to fast-track a presidential election but later changed her stance, deciding to remain in office until the end of her five-year term. The government has faced criticism for its handling of protests, with Amnesty International raising concerns about possible extrajudicial killings in response to Castillo’s arrest.
Despite low public approval ratings for both Congress and Boluarte, the legislature approved her third cabinet in 16 months after several ministers resigned following a police raid at her residence. Investigators have expanded their probe into alleged “illicit enrichment” focusing on Boluarte’s Rolex watches, bank deposits of unknown origin, and other valuable jewelry. The investigation was sparked by a review of Boluarte’s possessions on a popular YouTube show, which found discrepancies in her reported income compared to the value of her luxury items.
Boluarte has denied any wrongdoing and her defense has requested that she provide testimony in the case, citing the political turmoil it has caused. The investigation into her finances is ongoing, with prosecutors and police conducting searches at her residence to gather evidence. The political situation in Peru remains tense, with ongoing protests and controversy surrounding Boluarte’s presidency. The country’s history of impeachments and political instability adds to the uncertainty of Boluarte’s future as president.
