Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was recently interrogated by prosecutors for five hours in connection with allegations that she illegally received cash, luxury watches, and jewelry. The investigation led to charges of illicit enrichment and failure to declare assets against the unpopular leader. Boluarte denied the allegations in a televised speech, claiming that the Rolex watches she was seen wearing were on loan from Wilfredo Oscorima, the governor of Ayacucho, and that she was not required to declare them as they were not her property.
The scandal, dubbed “Rolexgate” on social media, began when Boluarte was seen wearing an expensive Rolex watch on a news program. Despite her claim that some of the jewelry was hers, prosecutors estimated the value of the jewelry and watches to be as high as $500,000. The controversy has further damaged Boluarte’s already low public approval rating, with 86% of Peruvians disapproving of her leadership. Protests both in support of and against the president erupted outside the prosecutor’s office, highlighting the deep divisions within the country.
The investigation into Boluarte’s undeclared assets has expanded, with prosecutors suspecting that she may have more undisclosed wealth than initially thought. Her rise to power, from a modest district official to president, has raised questions about the origins of the large sums of money deposited into her bank account. Despite the mounting evidence against her, Boluarte, who became president in December 2022, is unlikely to face immediate consequences due to legal protections for sitting presidents in Peru.
Analysts believe that Boluarte’s alliance with congressional leaders will help her maintain her position until 2026, despite calls for her impeachment. Critics accuse her of enabling lawmakers to pass reforms that undermine democracy and consolidate their power. The political turmoil in Peru, which has seen six presidents in six years, underscores the challenges facing the country’s political system. As the investigation into Boluarte continues, the future of her presidency remains uncertain, with both supporters and detractors closely monitoring the developments.
