Peruvian lawmakers recently submitted a request to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, citing “moral incapacity” as the reason behind their move. Boluarte has already survived four previous attempts to cut her term short due to support from a coalition of conservative lawmakers. The latest request comes amid ongoing investigations against Boluarte and her inner circle, including allegations of serious new acts that are incompatible with her leading the country. These investigations stem from her administration’s decision to disband a police unit investigating the activities of her inner circle, as well as her ownership of luxury watches and fine jewelry that were not listed in her asset declaration form.
The pressure on Boluarte has been mounting since she took office in December 2022, following the dismissal and imprisonment of then-President Pedro Castillo. Boluarte is now under investigation for her use of luxury watches and fine jewelry estimated to be worth more than $500,000. An armed police raid on her residence in late March was the first time in Peru’s history that police forcibly entered a sitting president’s home. Despite these investigations and mounting pressure, Boluarte has maintained support from a coalition of conservative lawmakers who have prevented previous removal attempts from accumulating the necessary votes.
In a related development, one of Boluarte’s brothers and her lawyer were arrested in connection with an investigation into influence peddling. Nicanor Boluarte, the president’s sibling, is accused of working to appoint government officials in exchange for money and assistance in registering a political party. Attorney Mateo Castañeda is accused of interfering with the investigation by offering benefits to members of a now disbanded police unit. Both men have denied any wrongdoing and have been placed incommunicado by a judge for 10 days. These arrests are the latest in a series of legal challenges surrounding Boluarte and her administration.
To remove Boluarte from office, the effort by lawmakers must earn 52 votes to be accepted and open for debate in Parliament. However, to actually remove her from office, a total of 87 votes out of the 130-seat unicameral Parliament are required. Boluarte, a 61-year-old lawyer who initially entered the government on a modest salary, began displaying luxury watches shortly after assuming the presidency. This sudden shift in lifestyle has raised questions about her financial disclosures and assets, leading to the ongoing investigations and removal attempts against her.
The removal attempts and investigations against Boluarte highlight a turbulent period in Peruvian politics, with successive presidents facing corruption allegations and legal challenges. Boluarte’s case is particularly notable for the armed police raid on her residence and the subsequent arrests of her brother and lawyer. The outcome of the removal request and the ongoing investigations will have significant implications for Peru’s political landscape and the future of Boluarte’s presidency. Despite the challenges she faces, Boluarte has continued to maintain her innocence and deny any wrongdoing as she navigates these legal and political challenges.
