In the late hours of Friday, President Dina Boluarte was removed from office by Peruvian lawmakers amid rising crime rates and accusations of corruption. Jose Jeri, the Congress chief, was sworn in as Boluarte's successor following a series of motions by political groups that led to her ousting on grounds of moral incapacity. This incident marks another turn in Peru's turbulent political history, introducing the seventh president within a decade.
Boluarte addressed the public shortly after her removal, calling for national unity and stressing her concern for the well-being of Peru's population. Her presidency, however, was marred by a low approval rating, frequent protests, and increasing gang violence. According to the BBC, her approval figures were between 2-4%.
The transition of power to 38-year-old José Jerí, who had previously expressed disinterest in assuming the presidency if Boluarte were impeached, reflects a rapid shift in the nation's political landscape. Jerí has committed to seeking reconciliation and addressing crime, with a focus on maintaining neutrality in the upcoming elections scheduled for April 2026.
Tensions were further escalated following a shooting at an Agua Marina concert in Chorrillos, Lima, which resulted in five injuries and amplified the nation's concern over public safety. The authorities are actively investigating the incident.
The unexpected rise of Jerí to power was surprising given his previous statements to the Peruvian newspaper El Comercio, where he emphasized his respect for presidential institutionality and the proximity to the end of Boluarte's term.
American businessman and Peruvian-based advisor John Cobb, founder of Pholus Advisory, voiced his apprehension regarding the removal of Boluarte, highlighting the negative implications for investment and constitutional order in the region. Cobb pointed out the dangers of criminal organizations potentially influencing governance, which poses significant risks to businesses operating in Peru.
Investigations are underway concerning allegations that funds were channeled through Boluarte before her presidency to a fugitive political leader. Additional accusations include accepting bribes in the form of Rolex watches and aiding her former Marxist party's fugitive leader to evade arrest.
Dina Boluarte made history as Peru's first female president in December 2022, succeeding Pedro Castillo after he was impeached for attempting to dissolve the legislature. Now facing legal challenges, the Attorney General's Office is seeking to restrict her from leaving the country. Boluarte's lawyer, Juan Portugal, informed RPP, a local radio station, that she does not intend to seek political asylum and remains at her residence in Lima.
