Lima, Peru – In a dramatic turn of events, Peru's Congress has voted to impeach President Dina Boluarte, citing "permanent moral incapacity" to lead the nation, particularly in its struggle against surging organized crime and persistent political instability. The decisive vote, overwhelmingly supported by lawmakers, signals a new chapter in Peru's tumultuous political landscape, marked by frequent leadership changes and deep public dissatisfaction.

Boluarte's presidency, which began on December 7, 2022, following the impeachment and arrest of Pedro Castillo, was fraught with challenges from its inception. Her tenure was characterized by widespread protests, particularly in regions that supported Castillo, demanding early elections and her resignation. Corruption allegations, including the prominent "Rolexgate" scandal, further eroded public trust, leading to historically low approval ratings, reportedly as low as 2-4%.

Key Context

Dina Boluarte became president after Pedro Castillo's impeachment and arrest for attempting to dissolve Congress.
Her administration faced constant impeachment attempts and protests demanding her resignation and new elections.
The "Rolexgate" scandal and accusations of excessive force against protesters have defined her presidency.

Impact Analysis

The impeachment directly impacts the current government's stability, leading to a new interim president and a shift in political direction. It raises concerns about continued economic volatility, particularly in sectors reliant on stability like mining and tourism. The public's trust in political institutions faces further erosion, potentially fueling future social unrest.

Timeline

October 10, 2025: Congress votes to impeach President Dina Boluarte for "permanent moral incapacity."
December 7, 2022: Dina Boluarte sworn in as President following Pedro Castillo's impeachment.
Early 2023: Widespread protests erupt across Peru demanding Boluarte's resignation and early elections.
Ongoing: Investigations into corruption allegations and security crisis deepen.
What's next: General elections are now scheduled for April 2026 under interim leadership.

Different Perspectives

Lawmakers: Many cited "permanent moral incapacity" and the failure to curb organized crime as primary reasons for impeachment.
Critics: Accused Boluarte of authoritarian tendencies, excessive force against protesters, and scapegoating migrants.
Supporters: Argued the impeachment was politically motivated and that she lacked adequate time to address complex issues.
Human Rights Groups: Condemned the government's response to protests and its rhetoric towards migrants.

What You Need to Know

Peru's Congress impeached President Dina Boluarte, making her the sixth president removed in less than a decade.
The impeachment is linked to escalating crime and political instability, with "permanent moral incapacity" cited.
Interim President José Jerí will lead until elections scheduled for April 2026.
The political turmoil has had significant economic consequences, including inflation and GDP drops.

Regional Perspective

This impeachment continues a pattern of rapid presidential turnover in Peru, highlighting deep-seated institutional weaknesses and political fragmentation. The focus on combating organized crime, a pervasive issue across Latin America, underscores regional security challenges. International relations, particularly with neighbors like Mexico, have been strained by Peru's political volatility.

Why This Matters

It signifies a critical juncture for Peru's democracy, testing its institutions' resilience.
The impeachment reflects a growing regional concern over governance effectiveness in the face of organized crime and social discontent.
The economic implications affect not only Peru but also international investors and regional trade partners.

What to Watch

The effectiveness of interim President José Jerí's administration in tackling crime and stabilizing the economy.
The progression of the 2026 general election campaign and the candidates who emerge.
Public reaction and potential for renewed social unrest.
Government's approach to human rights and migrant issues.

Analysis

Dina Boluarte's impeachment is a symptom of Peru's chronic political instability, a cycle exacerbated by deep social divisions and the pervasive influence of organized crime. Her failure to appease a restless populace or effectively demonstrate control over the escalating security crisis led to an inevitable confrontation with a Congress eager to assert its authority. The task for interim President José Jerí is immense: to restore order, address public grievances, and rebuild trust in institutions, all while navigating a fragmented political landscape and preparing for elections. The economic recovery hinges on political stability, a commodity Peru has struggled to maintain, making the upcoming months crucial for its future trajectory.