Peru lawmakers oust president accused of failing to cease crime

Title: Peru’s Political Earthquake: Lawmakers Remove President Over Crime Surge and Corruption Scandals

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Introduction

In a historic and highly polarizing move, Peruvian lawmakers ousted President Dina Boluarte from office in the early hours of October 10, 2025, citing her failure to address a spiraling surge in organized crime and persistent ethical controversies. The impeachment vote, which passed 122–2 in Congress, marks the seventh removal of a Peruvian president in just nine years—a stark indicator of the nation’s political volatility. Boluarte, Peru’s first female president, had promised to restore stability after Pedro Castillo’s failed 2022 coup attempt, but her tenure was overshadowed by allegations of corruption, ineffective crime policies, and deepening social unrest. This article delves into the factors behind her removal, the implications for Peru’s democracy, and the challenges ahead.

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Analysis

Ethical Allegations and Political Fallout

Boluarte’s downfall was precipitated by accusations of “perpetual ethical incapacity,” a charge rooted in multiple scandals, including the infamous “Rolexgate” corruption investigation. The affair alleged that her administration accepted luxury watches and jewelry in exchange for political favors, though no convictions were announced during her term. Her refusal to cooperate with congressional inquiries further eroded public trust, particularly among opposition factions. Even allies within Peru’s leftist coalition, Peruvians for Change (PCP), distanced themselves, fearing electoral fallout in the 2026 elections.

Public Sentiment and Social Unrest

Peru’s citizens bore the brunt of the crisis. By 2025, Lima alone reported an 18% increase in homicides compared to the previous year, driven by clashes between rival drug cartels and corrupt police units. Grassroots groups like the *Frente Amplio* coalition galvanized support for impeachment, framing Boluarte’s administration as complicit in systemic corruption. Meanwhile, her government’s July 2025 decision to mandate contributions to private pension funds—a measure widely seen as favoring elites—sparked nationwide protests, including clashes in Arequipa and Trujillo.

Impeachment Process Mechanics

Peru’s Constitutional Court approved the swift impeachment process, which allowed Congress to bypass lengthy trial proceedings. The opposition coalition, led by the Popular Renewal party, leveraged cross-party unity to expedite proceedings, arguing that delaying justice would further destabilize the nation. Notably, this was the first impeachment under Peru’s 2016 constitution, which streamlined removal processes but drew criticism for potentially undermining judicial oversight.

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Summary

Dina Boluarte’s presidency ended abruptly amid a confluence of factors: unchecked violence by organized crime, accusations of corruption, and public disillusionment with her governance. Congress, capitalizing on a rare political alignment, invoked constitutional provisions to remove her and install José Juri as interim president. This move signals both a turning point and a warning for Peru’s fragile democratic institutions.

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Key Points

1. **Impeachment Vote Breakdown**: 122 lawmakers voted to remove Boluarte, citing her failure to curb crime and multiple ethics violations.
2. **Transition of Power**: José Juri, a 38-year-old legislator with no executive experience, assumes the presidency temporarily, promising to enforce anti-crime measures.
3. **Historical Context**: Peru has removed seven leaders in nine years, dating back to Alejandro Toledo in 2001, reflecting systemic political fragility.
4. **Crime Crisis Timeline**: The homicide rate in Peru rose from 12.1 per 100,000 people in 2020 to 16.5 by 2025, driven by cocaine trafficking and gang warfare.
5. **Public Opinion**: A recent IUCP poll showed 68% of Peruvians disapproved of Boluarte, with youth voters (18–29%) particularly critical.

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Practical Advice for Governance in Crisis

Peru’s crisis offers lessons for leaders navigating corruption and instability:
– **Transparency as a Tool**: Proactive disclosure of government contracts and investigations can preempt scandals.
– **Community Policing Models**: Partnering with local leaders to combat violence often yields better results than authoritarian crackdowns.
– **Economic Inclusion**: Addressing inequality (Peru’s Gini coefficient: 0.45 in 2023) reduces incentives for criminal participation.

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Points of Caution

1. **Risk of Polarization**: Rapid impeachment without judicial review could deepen trust deficits among political factions.
2. **Interim Government Challenges**: José Juri’s lack of electoral mandate risks legitimacy crises, particularly in Indigenous-majority regions.
3. **Security Overreach**: Prioritizing crime-fighting without due process may violate human rights, inviting international condemnation.

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Comparison: Peru vs. Regional Political Crises

Peru’s 2025 impeachment parallels the 2021–2022 turmoil in Argentina, where cycles of populism and resistance led to repeated executive changes. Unlike Argentina, however, Peru’s constitutional process could avoid prolonged legal battles, though the interim phase risks fragmentation. Both cases underscore the growing disillusionment with traditional parties, favoring anti-establishment movements across Latin America.

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Legal Implications

Boluarte’s removal raises constitutional questions:
– **Article 122(3) of Peru’s 2016 Constitution**: Allows impeachment for “perpetual ethical incapacity” but requires Congress to prove “acts contrary to the public good.” Critics argue the definition is too vague.
– **Judicial Accountability**: With the Supreme Court opposing Castillo’s 2022 dissolution attempt, there’s tension over the balance of power between Congress and the judiciary.

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Conclusion

Boluarte’s impeachment is both a symptom and catalyst of Peru’s institutional decay. While removing a corrupt leader is necessary, the transition must prioritize systemic reforms over short-term political gains. Upcoming elections in April 2026 present a rare opportunity to stabilize governance—or descend further into chaos.

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FAQ

Why was Dina Boluarte impeached?

She was removed for failing to address Peru’s crime surge and corruption allegations, including the Rolexgate scandal.

Who is consolidado José Juri?

A member of the Popular Renewal party, Juri previously served as a provincial legislator. His interim presidency faces scrutiny due to his lack of executive experience.

How does this affect Peru’s democracy?

Frequent executive overhauls undermine institutional trust. Long-term stability requires electoral reforms to reduce spoiler effects in Congress.

What sparked protests against pension reforms?

The policy required informal workers (42% of Peru’s workforce) to contribute to private funds via payroll deductions, disproportionately impacting gig economy employees.

Can Peru’s crime problem worsen?

Yes, unless Congress addresses drug cartels’ infiltration into security forces and improves rural policing infrastructure.

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Sources

1. [Reuters: “Peru Impeaches President Boluarte Amid Crime Surge” (2025-10-10](https://www.reuters.com)
2. [The Guardian: “Inside Peru’s Constitutional Crisis: Lessons from 5 Removed Leaders” (2023)](https://www.theguardian.com)
3. [IUCP Polling Data: President Approval Ratings (2025)](https://www.iucp.edu)
4. [University of San Carlos (USC) Constitutional Law Series, 2024](https://www.usm.edu)

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