A stunning political upheaval grips Peru as Congress moves decisively to remove President Dina Boluarte amidst a surging crime crisis. The South American nation faces a perfect storm of public outrage and insecurity, pushing its lawmakers to take unprecedented action.
In a dramatic vote, Peru’s Congress accepted four separate motions calling for Boluarte's impeachment, accusing her administration of failing to control the rising tide of crime. Each motion garnered well over the required 56 votes, signaling strong bipartisan agreement and paving the way for an impeachment debate and trial in the 130-seat unicameral legislature.
Lawmakers demanded Boluarte appear before Congress late Thursday night to defend her record. When she did not show up, they wasted no time — just past midnight, an overwhelming 124 deputies voted to remove her from office, effectively ending her presidency in a swift and firm move.
This explosive event unfolded just hours after a shooting at a popular concert in Lima heightened public frustration and fear over the nation’s escalating violence. Unlike the eight prior unsuccessful attempts to impeach her, this latest push saw near-universal backing from nearly all political factions, reflecting a rare moment of unity amid deep national crisis.
Boluarte assumed the presidency in December 2022 after Parliament ousted her predecessor using the very same legal mechanism, making her position always somewhat precarious. Since then, her administration has been criticized for its inadequate handling of soaring crime rates—especially murders and extortions—that have deeply troubled Peruvians.
Addressing these challenges, Boluarte partly attributed the explosion of crime to illegal immigration, a controversial stance that has stirred debate. During a military ceremony, she stated, “This crime has been brewing for decades and has been strengthened by illegal immigration, which past administrations haven’t defeated. Instead, they've kept borders open, allowing criminals to roam freely without restrictions.”
Official statistics paint a grim picture: 6,041 homicides recorded between January and mid-August mark the deadliest period since 2017. Extortion cases surged by 28% in the seven months leading up to July, totaling nearly 16,000 complaints.
The crisis escalated dramatically after a gunman opened fire at a concert featuring Agua Marina, one of Peru’s most beloved cumbia bands, injuring five people. This act of violence became the flashpoint that accelerated Congress’s push to remove Boluarte.
Prime Minister Eduardo Arana stood in Boluarte’s defense during a special parliamentary hearing focused on crime prevention. However, his words fell short of swaying the legislative majority, who remained determined to proceed with impeachment.
Arana acknowledged the gravity of the moment, telling Congress, “Parliament’s concerns can’t be resolved simply by opposing or approving an impeachment. We aren’t clinging to power. We understand that our tenure could end as soon as today.”
But here’s the part most people miss: Is Boluarte truly the architect of Peru’s crime crisis, or is she the scapegoat for deeper, systemic failures? And how much responsibility should be placed on foreign immigration, considering the complex social factors involved? This emboldened backlash against the president raises tough questions about political stability, justice, and security in Peru—and invites fierce debate among citizens and experts alike.
What do you think? Was Congress right to act so decisively? Or are they ignoring the broader issues beneath Peru’s turmoil? Share your thoughts and arguments in the comments below.
