In a significant political development in Peru, the country’s Congress voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office on grounds of moral incapacity. The decision came after a late-night session, where 122 members voted in favor of her impeachment, resulting in her replacement by José Jerí, who was presiding over the Congress’s Board of Directors at the time. This move is rooted in Article 113 of the Peruvian Constitution, which allows for the removal of a president due to permanent moral or physical incapacity, a clause that has been pivotal in previous presidential oustings in the nation.
The impeachment was triggered by mounting corruption allegations against Boluarte and criticism over her government’s heavy-handed response to protests. Demonstrators had been met with excessive force, and this led to widespread public outcry. Her lawyer claimed procedural irregularities, asserting that there was insufficient time to prepare a defense, as Boluarte received only 50 minutes’ notice prior to the hearing. In protest, she decided not to attend Congress to present her side of the story (JURIST).
Boluarte’s presidency has been marred by low approval ratings, reportedly as low as 2-4%, and she has been embroiled in multiple investigations concerning bribery and corruption, along with a controversial salary increase in July. The backdrop of these political maneuvers is a tense human rights situation in Peru, where the government’s actions have been criticized by international bodies. Just prior to her removal, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the passage of a law granting amnesty to human rights violators, a sentiment echoed by UN experts who criticized the decision shortly after. Throughout her presidency, Boluarte faced pressure not only due to political challenges but also from social issues, such as the calls from Indigenous community leaders to address the rampant illegal mining in the country.
The removal of Boluarte underscores the persistent political instability in Peru, which has seen several presidents ousted from office over the past few years. This instability often revolves around the issue of moral and ethical governance, with Congress frequently exercising its constitutional powers to hold leaders accountable. Boluarte’s removal reflects ongoing challenges in balancing governance, legality, and public accountability, elements that are critical for Peru’s political landscape as it attempts to navigate a course through its tumultuous political waters.