Peru lawmakers make fresh push to remove unpopular president from office

A group of opposition lawmakers in Peru presented a new motion on Thursday to remove President Dina Boluarte from office. This motion is the latest in a series of unsuccessful attempts and comes as the country prepares for elections in April next year.

The proposal, which aims to remove Boluarte for "permanent moral incapacity," has been signed by at least 34 lawmakers from various political parties. However, it requires approval from at least 52 lawmakers in an upcoming plenary session of Congress before it can be debated in a separate session to determine whether it can proceed.

"The only way forward is Dina Boluarte's impeachment," said Congresswoman Susel Paredes in a post on X, where she shared the motion. "Various blocs agree, which is why the motion has now been presented."

Boluarte assumed office in December 2022 after her predecessor, President Pedro Castillo, was ousted and arrested for attempting to dissolve Congress. Castillo's removal sparked months of deadly protests, particularly in rural Andean and Indigenous communities, with rights groups accusing Boluarte’s government of using excessive force to suppress the unrest.

Additionally, the 63-year-old has faced allegations of illicit enrichment, including undeclared assets and a scandal involving Rolex watches. In July, she controversially doubled her salary.

Her approval ratings are currently between 2% and 4%. The motion document shared by Paredes cited "serious corruption allegations," including the so-called Rolexgate scandal, as reasons for her removal.

Although Peru's conservative-dominated Congress has previously rejected motions to remove her, more lawmakers are now expressing support as the elections draw nearer.

Should Boluarte leave before her term ends next July, she is expected to be succeeded by the head of Peru's also deeply unpopular Congress, Jose Jeri. Peru does not currently have a vice president.

The country has had six presidents since 2018, and four former leaders are currently incarcerated.

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