Peru’s Congress removed President Dina Boluarte and immediately swore in Congress chief Jose Jeri as the new president. Lawmakers acted quickly amid rising crime and corruption allegations, including the Rolexgate scandal over her luxury watch collection.
Boluarte, 63, became president in December 2022 after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was arrested for trying to dissolve Congress. Since then, her approval ratings dropped to 2–4% due to accusations of illicit enrichment and violent crackdowns on protests supporting Castillo.
The latest push for her removal followed a shooting at a concert by popular cumbia band Agua Marina, which injured several performers. Lawmakers blamed Boluarte’s policies for worsening insecurity and economic problems.
Jeri, 38, from the conservative Somos Peru party, promised a tough stance on crime. “The main enemy is on the streets. We must declare war on crime,” he told Congress, wearing the national sash.
Outside Congress and Ecuador’s embassy, crowds waved flags, danced, and played music. Boluarte addressed the nation, saying the same Congress that had sworn her in now removed her, highlighting the threat to Peru’s democratic stability.
Peru continues a cycle of political upheaval, and three former leaders remain imprisoned. Meanwhile, major parties are already preparing for the April 2026 presidential election.
