Lima: In a significant development in Peru's ongoing political crisis, opposition lawmakers have presented a new motion to impeach President Dina Boluarte, citing "permanent moral incapacity." This marks the latest attempt to remove Boluarte, whose approval ratings have plummeted to between 2% and 4%. The motion, signed by at least 34 lawmakers, requires the approval of at least 52 members of Congress before it can proceed to a debate session.
Boluarte assumed the presidency in December 2022 following the ousting of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo. Since then, her administration has faced widespread criticism over allegations of corruption, including the "Rolexgate" scandal involving luxury watches and accusations of illicit enrichment. Her government's response to protests, particularly in rural Andean and Indigenous communities, has been marked by deadly crackdowns, further eroding public trust.
Despite a conservative-dominated Congress previously rejecting similar motions, growing support among lawmakers suggests a shift in sentiment as general elections approach in April 2026. Peru has experienced significant political instability, with six presidents since 2018 and four former leaders currently imprisoned.
The renewed push to impeach Boluarte underscores the deepening political crisis in Peru, as citizens and lawmakers alike grapple with issues of governance, accountability, and the future direction of the nation.