Peru’s President Dina Boluarte is facing scrutiny over her ownership of a trio of luxury watches, sparking an alleged illicit enrichment scandal that threatens her presidency. The shakeup in her cabinet on Monday came as lawmakers pushed to remove her from office for “permanent moral incapacity” following a police raid on her residence to search for the watches. Boluarte has denied the accusations of illicit enrichment and is set to answer questions from prosecutors regarding the watches on Friday.
The reshuffling of the cabinet included the replacement of six ministers in key positions such as interior, education, women, agriculture, production, and foreign trade. The outgoing ministers all submitted their resignations, with some citing personal reasons while others did not provide an explanation. Despite these changes, experts believe that the shakeup will not improve Boluarte’s sinking popularity or prevent potential impeachment or protests. Market research firm Ipsos reported an 88% unpopularity rate for Boluarte in March, indicating the challenges she faces in governing the country.
The investigation into Boluarte’s alleged acquisition of luxury watches began after she was seen wearing a Rolex watch on a TV show, with subsequent reports mentioning at least two more Rolexes. The President did not list these watches in mandatory asset declaration forms, raising suspicions of illicit enrichment. The request to remove her from office also references rising crime rates and other national issues, with 54 votes supporting Boluarte and her party in Congress. However, opposition parties are pushing for her removal, with a vote expected to take place soon.
The police raid on Boluarte’s residence marked the first time in Peru’s history that law enforcement forcibly entered a sitting president’s home. The probe into her alleged illicit enrichment raises questions about her financial dealings and lifestyle as a public official. Boluarte’s rise from a modest district official to the presidency has been met with skepticism, particularly regarding her sudden ownership of luxury watches. If charged with illicit enrichment, Boluarte may face legal consequences after her term ends in 2026.
In addition to the scandal involving the luxury watches, Boluarte is also facing a preliminary investigation for her role in deadly protests following the dismissal of former President Pedro Castillo. Peru’s history of presidential instability and frequent political crises underscores the challenges faced by Boluarte and her administration. With no president completing a full term since 2016, the country grapples with ongoing political turmoil and uncertainty. The outcome of the ongoing investigation and potential impeachment proceedings against Boluarte will likely have far-reaching implications for Peru’s political landscape in the coming months.
