Peru’s Congress has just voted to oust President Dina Boluarte from power. This decision is a major political development in a country now facing a wave of increasing criminality. Just last week, lawmakers took an initial vote toward her ouster. A whopping 124 were in favor of moving the motion, well over the 56 votes minimum needed to move an action. Dissatisfaction in the public toward Boluarte has been growing. Consequently, this ruling is a sign of her continuing reign as one of the globe’s most unpopular heads of state.
The circumstances leading to this vote were exacerbated by a recent shooting at a concert in the capital city, which ignited widespread outrage over the government’s failure to combat rising crime levels. Lawmakers from various political parties united in their call for Boluarte’s impeachment, citing her administration’s inability to address the intensifying crime wave that has alarmed citizens across Peru.
Dina Boluarte was set to face impeachment vote in Congress, facing impeachment on grounds of “moral incapacity.” When called to the podium, she didn’t appear. This led Congress to decide very quickly to pivot and go the other way toward actually bringing the vote a few weeks later. The unusual unicameral Congress has very limited membership, just 130 members. To convince Boluarte to resign, they will organize a constitutional debate and an impeachment trial to legally initiate Boluarte’s removal.
Setting the stage for all this political turmoil is an increasing resentment of Peruvians towards a situation they feel is getting more dangerous and less governed. The latest shooting that killed more than 17 people acted as the trigger to severe growing anger towards Boluarte’s rule. Critics have cited her administration’s lackluster approaches to addressing crime, which amped up calls for her ousting.
As our nation continues to find its way through this historic and tumultuous time, we will all be watching to see how the impeachment trial plays out. Legislators have received four petitions for a vote of no confidence to dethrone Boluarte. This decision reflects the pressing call for oversight and efficient governance, particularly given the continuing security concerns.
