Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is under investigation for allegedly receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, luxury watches, and jewelry without declaring them as required by law. Boluarte appeared before prosecutors on Friday, surrounded by armed police and protesters. The scandal, dubbed “Rolexgate,” began when Boluarte was seen wearing expensive watches and jewelry on television. This controversy has added to Boluarte’s unpopularity, with 86% of Peruvians disapproving of her leadership.
Despite the investigations and public outcry, the future of Boluarte’s presidency remains uncertain. Peruvian law prohibits charging sitting presidents with crimes, and Congress has rejected calls to impeach her. Boluarte’s political allies in Congress are expected to keep her in office until 2026, further fueling concerns about the state of democracy in the country. This political turmoil is not new to Peru, which has had six presidents in six years.
The investigation into Boluarte’s undeclared assets has expanded to include more jewelry and bank transfers worth over $500,000. Despite her claims that the Rolex watch was the result of her own hard work, questions remain about the origin of the funds and luxury items. The highly unpopular president has faced criticism for her governance and lack of transparency, which have exacerbated the distrust among the Peruvian people.
The raid on Boluarte’s home marked a historic moment in Peru’s political history, as police forcibly entered the residence of a sitting president. The escalating tensions and accusations of corruption have raised concerns about the stability and integrity of the country’s government. The ongoing investigations and public outrage have put pressure on Boluarte and her administration, leading to calls for accountability and reform in the political system.
Despite the mounting challenges and controversies, Boluarte is likely to remain in office for the foreseeable future due to her political alliances and legal protections. The ongoing investigations and public unrest have highlighted the fragility of Peru’s democracy and the need for systemic reforms to address corruption and inequities. The outcome of the investigation into Boluarte’s alleged illicit enrichment will have far-reaching implications for Peru’s political landscape and the country’s quest for transparency and accountability in governance.
